Auburn closes its 2025 season next Saturday with a visit from archrival Alabama, and with a win, the Tigers likely spoil the No. 10 Crimson Tide's College Football Playoff chances. It's a big game for DJ Durkin in his interview to become the full-time head coach, and it could mean the difference between playing in a bowl and sitting at home for the second-straight bowl season.
But the Tigers better not sleep on this week's opponent in Mercer. The Bears aren't the overwhelmed opponent that you would expect from an FCS team, standing 9-1 after clinching the Southern Conference championship last week for the second straight season.