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Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn talked about his team and took questions from fans during the Tiger Talk radio show on Monday night.
Last Saturday, the Tigers fell 27-19 to No. 19 Ole Miss at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Although he was disappointed to lose, Malzahn was happy with his team’s effort.
Malzahn believes his team is improving, saying, “We’re getting close.”
“We just need to find that way to take that next step and win those close ones. (We need to) get over that hump,” the coach said.
Gus Malzahn on the season: “We haven’t played good on offense, good on defense at the same time all year. It’s been one or the other.”
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 3, 2015
Malzahn praised Carl Lawson’s performance. The sophomore defensive end played for the first time in six games, and held his own against Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil, one of the top offensive linemen in college football. Auburn’s coach said that Lawson is “our defensive leader.” “His energy level is extremely high … he disrupts things,” Malzahn added. Starting quarterback Sean White was injured during Auburn’s four-overtime loss to Arkansas on Oct. 24, and although he played against Ole Miss, Malzahn admitted he was not 100 percent. White and Jeremy Johnson both took snaps against Ole Miss. Malzahn says White should be healthier this Saturday.
Gus Malzahn on QB Sean White: “He’s feeling better. He’s a tough guy. He got hit a couple of times, too. He’s just got a great attitude.” — Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 3, 2015
Malzahn believes running back Jovon Robinson will “get nothing but better.” Robinson rushed for 91 yards on 18 carries against Ole Miss.
Auburn’s Gus Malzahn on RB Jovon Robinson: “He’s got a fresh body… Now, he’s got some experience. I think he’ll get nothing but better.” — Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 3, 2015
The coach said senior Ricardo Louis is establishing himself as the Tigers’ go-to receiver. Louis caught four passes for 137 yards and a touchdown against Ole Miss.
Auburn’s coach said his offense is “starting to look a little more like an Auburn offense.”
Malzahn said the Tigers are now focused on this week’s game.
Auburn (4-4) travels to No. 25 Texas A&M (6-2) this week for a 7:30 p.m. Eastern game that will be shown on the SEC Network. Malzahn conceded that the Aggies’ stadium, Kyle Field, is a “tough place to play.”
The last time the Tigers played in College Station, they beat the Johnny Manziel-led Aggies 45-41 in 2013.
“That was a game-changer,” Malzahn said. “It was a huge win for the program at the time.”
Texas A&M has another talented quarterback now, Kyler Murray. Malzahn says the freshman is a real difference maker.
“I think (Murray) will be a factor,” Malzahn said. “He’s got great balance. He’s a true dual-threat guy. This guy’s extremely quick. (He) did a great job in high school. I don’t think he ever lost a game.”
Malzahn said the Tigers will try to put some pressure on Murray, in hopes of confusing him and forcing some turnovers.
Auburn’s coach is also impressed with Texas A&M’s defensive ends, particularly Myles Garrett, who blocked a field goal attempt (which was returned for a touchdown) during the Aggies’ 41-38 win last season. And he says Texas A&M defensive coordinator John Chavis is “one of the best.”
Malzahn says the keys to the game on offense will be protecting the football, making big plays and scoring touchdowns when the Tigers get in the red zone. Defensively, he says Auburn must contain Murray and try to keep players from getting in one-on-one situations.
Tiger Talk airs on Monday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern, and features Malzahn taking calls from Tigers fans. The show can be streamed online at this link.
