AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels will sit out against Mercer on Saturday to preserve a year of eligibility.

Interim coach D.J. Durkin said Monday that Jackson Arnold and freshman Deuce Knight will play against the Bears, but he did not name a starter.

Daniels, a senior transfer from Stanford, has suited up three times for the Tigers (4-6, 1-6 Southeastern Conference) this season and can only play in one more game to redshirt and retain another year of eligibility. With Auburn finishing at home against No. 10 Alabama, Durkin opted to keep Daniels off the field until the rivalry known as the Iron Bowl.

“You have a great responsibility as a head coach to do what is best for your football team and your program at all times,” Durkin said. “That’s what you were hired to d

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