VIDEO: DJ Durkin Press Conference

DJ Durkin‘s second audition for the Tigers’ full-time job went well.

The Tigers earned a lopsided win over Mercer while freshman quarterback Deuce Knight accounted for six touchdowns. Hugh Freeze was dismissed mostly for serial shortcomings with the team’s offensive system, but Durkin’s decision to let offensive coordinator Derrick Nix work without major oversight has been a wise choice.

Durkin said Monday that he loves what the team has been doing these past few weeks. With that said, the quality of competition takes a massive step up this weekend with Alabama coming to town. Durkin believes keeping his players focused on going 1-0 this weekend and empowered to affect change around them is the receipe for success.

Will that be enough? We will see this weekend.

The Iron Bowl picks off around 6:30 p.m. CST on Saturday. The game will be televised by ABC.

RELEVANT TIMESTAMPS

On Deuce Knight’s very strong performance against Mercer: “Deuce showed to everyone … what we see in practice.” (3:21)

On what Ashton Daniels did last week: “Ashton was very active in practice.” (7:37)

On his feelings about the Auburn-Alabama rivalry: “This rivalry runs deep — and it’s intrastate.” (14:40)