Football returns to the Plains this Saturday, as Auburn takes on the Mercer Bears (1-0) out of the Southern Conference of the FCS.
Mercer is making the trip from Macon, Georgia to face the Tigers for the thirteenth overall meeting. Auburn leads the series 12-0, but the Bears hope to ride the momentum from their week zero win to an upset.
Mercer was recognized as the No. 23 ranked team in the AFCA FCS Coaches’ Preseason Top 25. After opening the season with an explosive 63-13 romp over Morehead State, the Bears proved worthy of the recognition.
The Mercer offense scored from distances of 90, 65, 56, and 43 yards; only three of nine Bear touchdowns came from inside the red zone. The special teams added a 93-yard kickoff return. In total, the Bears put up a whopping 625 yards on offense, which set a school record for yards in a game.
Meanwhile, Auburn has been busy settling the quarterback battle. T.J. Finley earned the job and looks to lead the Tigers from under center after beating out transfers Robby Ashford and Zach Calzada.
The center position, though, has turned out unexpectedly, as sixth-year senior Nick Brahms announced he will not continue playing football. Junior Tate Johnson, without a collegiate start up to date, will take over that role in 2022.
Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin sees the opportunity to watch film of Mercer as a competitive edge, where the Tigers can focus internally on themselves and their upcoming game.
“Something we’re going to take advantage of is being able to watch their first game," Harsin said. "Then, get our guys prepared.”
Here's a preview of players to watch and keys to victory for each team:
Players to Watch
Auburn
Tank Bigsby (RB)
The three-year starter is one of two Tigers on the Coaches All-SEC first team. He is a powerful runner who is capable of punishing defenders. His excellent vision will force Mercer linebackers to play disciplined and gang tackle.
Derick Hall (EDGE)
The senior team captain was also awarded All-SEC First Team honors. He tallied nine sacks last season and earned three of those against rival Alabama. Hall looks to cause havoc in the Bear backfield with his sure tackling and pass rushing skills.
T.J. Finley (QB)
The Tigers look for good quarterback play in the season opener following controversy for the position throughout the offseason.
The pressure is on Finley, the starting QB, to make good decisions and silence critics after Finley started in Auburn's final four games last season: all losses. Harsin has touted Finley’s growth in passing accuracy and mechanics.
Mercer
Isaac Dowling (LB)
Dowling is a team captain and was included on the preseason Phil Steele SoCon All-Conference First Team. In the game against Morehead State, the linebacker recorded five tackles and a forced fumble. He is a sound tackler and has no problem using his pads.
Ty James (WR)
James transferred to the Bears from the Georgia Bulldogs after redshirting in 2019. He racked up 192 receiving yards on five receptions and reached the endzone three times against Morehead State. One of those scores came on a 90-yard reception.
Running Backs
Mercer had two running backs who surpassed 100 yards rushing in its first game.
Georgia native Austin Douglas joined the Mercer squad after transferring from James Madison this summer. In the Bears' first game, he gained 140 yards on five carries with two touchdowns. Also in the Bear backfield is Al Wooten II. He rushed for 108 yards and lead the team in carries with 13.
The backs complement each other well. Douglas provides bursts of speed and can carry the ball for long gains. Wooten is a power back and runs hard. He is asked to get tough yards for the Bears.
Keys to Victory
Auburn
Staying disciplined on defense is always important in week one. Mercer used motions and screens throughout its first game and eventually took advantage of Morehead State for a touchdown on a jet sweep and another on a wide receiver screen. The Tigers must stick to their assignments, avoid any eye candy and make good tackles.
Auburn has to limit explosive plays from Mercer and keep any momentum to a minimum. The Bears set a school record with 10.8 yards per play last week.
Auburn expects special teams play to have a major role for Auburn this season, and the underclassmen will get their biggest shot o prove themselves on special teams' plays.
The Bears have a Fourth-Team FCS All-American in punt and kick returner Devron Harper. Harper took a kickoff for a touchdown last week and showed further craftiness by scoring on a wide receiver screen. Kicking the ball out of the back of the end zone and sound tackling are essential to neutralizing big-yardage plays from the shifty receiver.
Mercer
The Bear offensive line must establish the line of scrimmage to give quarterback Fred Payton a chance to work. Mercer does not have the size up front—especially in terms of weight—to manhandle Auburn, but if it can get enough movement, it has the backs to do some damage.
The issue of size persists on the defensive side as well. Auburn wants to keep Finley on his feet and give him ample time in the pocket to get comfortable to start the season. Mercer needs to find a way into the backfield and take away easy catches and throws.
Big plays are a must for the Bears. It will be difficult for Mercer to grind out drives against Auburn’s defense. However, if Mercer is able to replicate the explosive offense it showcased in game one, it puts itself in position to compete with the Tigers.
The Tigers take on the Mercer Bears in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 3 at 6 P.M. CST.
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Chase Black is a senior majoring in English education and minoring in sport communication. From Georgiana, Alabama, he started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @chaseblack334
