Mercer vs. Auburn 2017: Game time, TV, how to watch online, odds and preview

When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017

Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.

Time: 4 p.m. ET

TV: SEC Network Alternate (Channel 611 on DirecTV)

How to watch online: WatchESPN

Radio: Auburn Sports Network

Odds: The Tigers are 19-point favorites, via Odds Shark

Series History

These two schools have met a grand total of 11 times with the Tigers winning every game. A funny note about this series; the schools haven’t met since 1922. Mercer disbanded its football program after 1941 and didn’t return until 2013. So, these teams don’t exactly have a rich history, but certainly an interesting one.

The Tigers are looking to bounce back

Auburn started the season with a rout of Georgia Southern. Then they traveled to Clemson to face the defending national champs. It didn’t go so well. Auburn lost the game 14-6, and finished the game with just 117 total yards. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham completed 13-24 passes for a paltry 79 yards. He was also sacked 11 times. The Tigers only points came off two Daniel Carlson field goals.

Auburn’s defense was outstanding against Clemson, holding the defending champs to 284 total yards and forcing two turnovers. The Tigers enters this week No. 8 in total defense.

A quick note about Auburn’s offense that won’t make head coach Gus Malzahn too happy: The Tigers rank No. 125 nationally in yards gained per play.

So, what happens?

Don’t expect this one to be close. Auburn’s running backs will have a big day, while Stidham will also have a nice bounce-back outing. The defense forced multiple turnovers and this one is over by the end of the first quarter?

Prediction: Auburn 48, Mercer 3