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Auburn Football: Game preview and prediction vs. Mercer

By Shannon Sickmon

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Kamryn Pettway #36 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the football game at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Kamryn Pettway #36 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the football game at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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Here’s everything you need to know for Auburn football’s Week 3 contest against Mercer at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Despite looking terrible against Clemson last week, Auburn’s offensive line should blow past Mercer. It might even be a good chance to give the second-string players some game time. This is not to say that Mercer has no weapons in its arsenal, but the Bears don’t stand a chance against a loaded Auburn defense that is one of the country’s best.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Auburn vs Mercer game:

Related Story: Auburn Football 2017: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

Date: Saturday, Sept. 16
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Auburn, Ala.
Venue: Jordan-Hare Stadium
TV: SEC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Auburn’s defense is flat-out awesome. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele’s front seven has enormous depth, with a roster of 13 players that can be added as the plays change. The Tigers’ defense is second in the SEC — which is saying something. The defense ranks 8th in the country for passing yards allowed at a meager 96.5 yards. The stellar defense could help shore up the wobbly offense, which looked like a Pop Warner team against Clemson last week.

Part of the problem might be with the coaching staff — head coach Gus Malzahn keeps moving offensive coordinators around. Herb Hand now has the OC spot. Cut it out, Gus –15 yards of total offense in the second half is just sad.

Despite the obvious issues with the quarterback and offensive line, poor Mercer will be woefully outmatched. At least some of Auburn’s second-string players will get some game time. This game is a classic example of a powerhouse against a cupcake and should hold few surprises.

Prediction

This should be an easy win for Auburn, but it won’t help their offense any. Perhaps they can use the game as a teaching moment to give the offensive line some much-needed practice.

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That’s not to say that Mercer has no talent.  Bears’ wide receiver Marquise Irvin should be fun to watch. Irvin makes big plays and is an aggressive and powerful runner. Regardless, Mercer’s offense won’t be able to get anything going. The Bears had problems with turnovers against Wofford last week, and Wofford is a much more palatable opponent than Auburn.

Final Score: Auburn 45, Mercer 10

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