Yeah, the wins are great. Making it to the SEC champ and BCS first year, exciting offense, all that stuff is great. But, things like this really make me say, "this guy is the real deal." I remember the folks that wanted Petrino, the folks that wanted Smart, etc.--and Gus was not my first choice. I was wrong. He is the perfect coach here and now at AU. And I believe he is the perfect coach long term. But, I did think that about Chiz at one time. Difference is, I really think that Gus is not only an exceptional foosball mind, he's an exceptional leader.
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2014/10/gus_malzahn_opens_up_on_auburn.htmlPrint
Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com By Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com
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on October 13, 2014 at 9:24 PM, updated October 13, 2014 at 9:26 PM
AUBURN, Alabama -- The Auburn fans showed up Saturday in Starkville.
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn noticed it, and the large Tiger Walk before the game of the year was appreciated. The problem? Auburn lost 38-23 at Mississippi State and it sent the fans and Tigers back home to the Plains licking their wounds during a bye week.
"We just need to give our fans something more to cheer about," Malzahn said Monday on Auburn's Tiger Talk radio show. "We didn't get it done Saturday, but I'm going to tell you this: I really believe we're a really good team. I really believe that still, and we're going to find a way to get better. And we're going to have to. We have a very challenging schedule the rest of the way. Our guys understand that, but I still really like this team."
No. 6 Auburn (5-1, 2-1 SEC) enters the back half of its schedule looking for answers. The Tigers struggled in the red zone against Mississippi State, misfired on several throws, the offensive line struggled, and both the offense and defense were charged with costly penalties at critical moments.
Auburn finished with 441 yards of offense, but managed only two touchdowns on four trips inside the red zone. Auburn also settled for three field goal attempts on three straight trips inside the 10-yard line. Daniel Carlson hit two and missed one. The Tigers had a first-and-goal at the 7-yard line twice, but settled for field goals.
"It was one of those non-rhythm type of situations," said Malzahn, "and we're a rhythm offense. It was kinda tough sledding as far as that is concerned."
Auburn did not practice Sunday or Monday, but coaches spent extra time with players going over film, Malzahn said. The Tigers return to practice Tuesday. They'll try to correct mistakes and get freshmen such as running back Roc Thomas, who saw significant action against the Bulldogs, up to speed before starting the second half of the schedule, which includes road trips to three teams (Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama) ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press poll.
RELATED: Malzahn says Auburn has toughest schedule in country
Auburn realizes it may need to win out to reach the College Football Playoff, too.
"We have a bunch of champions," Malzahn said. "They were disappointed, but I will tell you this: you find out your true character in adverse times. It's easy to have great character when you're winning, but our guys, they were very respectful, they used great sportsmanship, they went across the field, shook their hand, told them congratulations, good luck the rest of the way and then they came in the locker room. We didn't have anybody run into the locker room throwing their helmet down. No, they came in there, they were disappointed and, hey, our rally was, we knew we were going to face some adversity this year. The special teams, when you face adversity, they come together even closer and that's what we're going to do. And that's what we need to do."
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