Auburn football interim head coach DJ Durkin faces unique QB situation for Mercer game

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Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels made a statement in the Tigers' recent loss to No. 14 Vanderbilt by passing for 353 yards and rushing for 89 while being responsible for four touchdowns.

It seems obvious from the outside that Daniels should start Auburn's remaining games against Mercer and No. 4 Alabama. However, if he starts both games, he will eliminate the chance to redshirt and return to the program next season. Daniels, who played three seasons at Stanford before transferring to Auburn this offseason, could exhaust his college eligibility should he play in both of Auburn football's final two regular-season games.

That is one of the many dilemmas interim head coach DJ Durkin needs to resolve during Auburn's bye week.

Speaking to the media at an appearance in Birmingham on Monday, Durkin shed light on how he plans to manage the quarterback situation for Auburn's Week 13 game with Mercer on Nov. 22.

"(Daniel's) situation is kind of unique in that regard," Durkin said Monday. "We always try to do two things: what’s best for the young man and his family, and what’s best for the program. Those are ongoing decisions and discussions throughout this week.”

The NCAA states that Division I football players can play in up to four regular-season games without burning a season of eligibility, not including postseason games. Daniels has appeared in three games this season: at Arkansas, vs. Kentucky, and at Vanderbilt. Daniels could return to play in Auburn's regular-season finale with Alabama and maintain his eligibility for next season, but can not participate in both the Mercer and Alabama games and maintain his redshirt status.

One possibility is for Durkin to start true freshman Deuce Knight. Knight has played in just one game this season, and could play in Auburn's final two games without losing redshirt status. The other option is to give the keys back to Jackson Arnold and let Knight play later in the game to earn experience.

The great news is, Durkin has extended time to weigh all options and make a decision that is best for Daniels and the program. The Tigers are on their second bye week of the regular season, and will return to action on Nov. 22 vs. Mercer at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football faces a unique QB situation for Mercer game

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