The Tigers are determined not to repeat the mistakes of two years ago and look ahead to the Iron Bowl.
With the Iron Bowl approaching, the Auburn Tigers understand that they still have a game to play before it is team to focus on it.
The Tigers failed to do this two seasons ago, and took one of the worst losses in program history as a result. Interim head coach DJ Durkin is determined to avoid the allowing history to repeat itself.
Defensive end Chris Murray expressed just how determined Durkin is to have the Tigers ready to play against Mercer this week.
"I think it's very easy, because Coach Durkin installed it into our heads that we've gotta be locked in," Murray said. "Regardless of what's going on in the future, we're in the present. We're locked in on what's going on now. Mercer's a good team. Any underdog is gonna want to come in and beat the big dog. We've just to lock in this week and get dialed into detail. Coach Durkin communicated that today in the meetings."
Durkin also has the Tigers aware of how much trouble Mercer has given opponents this season.
"Apparently, they're top in their conference — No. 1 in rushing, passing and tackles for loss on defense," Murray said. "The moral of the story is that we've got to prepare this week and get ready for them."
While they are not looking past Mercer or treating them as an inferior opponent, the Tigers are looking forward to having a final chance to get things right before taking on Alabama.
"I feel like, you know, we're gonna have a good game plan for Mercer," Murray said. "I feel like we executed. Regardless of what's going on with the quarterback situation, I trust all the guys to go out there and play. We're gonna be good, dialed into detail and locked in and focused for this week. We're locked in on Mercer."