Rivalry week has arrived in college football, which means one of the sport’s most iconic showdowns is back: the Iron Bowl between Auburn and Alabama. The Tigers hope to spoil the championship hopes of their in-state rival inside Jordan Hare Stadium, and the outcome may hinge on which quarterback Auburn puts on the field.
SEC Network analyst Chris Doering discussed the high pressure matchup on SEC Football Final on Saturday night. What caught his attention most was Auburn’s looming decision at quarterback as they weigh starting freshman sensation Deuce Knight or senior transfer Ashton Daniels.
“I’m curious to see what happens at the quarterback position,” Doering said. “Ashton Daniels sits out so he can play next week and still have the ability to redshirt if he wants to. I mean, is this a case where he Wally Pipped himself? You got Deuce Knight going out there and running all over, and one thing we know about Alabama’s defense is that they have struggled the past couple of years against mobile quarterbacks.”
Knight earned his first start this past weekend against Mercer and delivered a near flawless performance. He dominated both through the air and on the ground, finishing with 401 total yards and 6 touchdowns. If he can replicate that spark against Alabama, interim coach DJ Durkin might have little choice but to stick with the dynamic freshman on the biggest stage of Auburn’s season.
With Alabama fighting to keep its playoff hopes alive and Auburn trying to derail its rival’s season, the quarterback call could define the entire contest. Whether Auburn trusts the experienced Daniels or rides the momentum of Knight will be one of the most closely watched storylines heading into this year’s Iron Bowl.