What Gus Malzahn said after the Sugar Bowl loss to Oklahoma

Monday’s Sugar Bowl got off to a hot start for the Auburn Tigers.

Coach Gus Malzahn’s squad held an early lead and only trailed 14-13 at halftime. However, the Oklahoma Sooners dominated the second half and pulled away for a 35-19 victory.

After the game, Malzahn said his team was disappointed, but he was proud of the season overall.

Here’s what the Auburn coach had to say early Tuesday morning after the game:

On QB Sean White’s arm injury:

HC Gus Malzahn confirms Sean White suffered broken arm vs. Oklahoma. Will have a full offseason to rehab arm and past shoulder injury.

— Noah Mindel (@noahmindel) January 3, 2017

On deciding to punt on a key fourth-down play:

Malzahn: Didn't like the look (when he punted instead of going for it on 4th down), thought could flip the field.

— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) January 3, 2017

On overcoming adversity in 2016, according to AuburnTigers.com:

“We played a very tough schedule. We had some tough injuries,” Malzahn said. “I guess probably the best way (to describe the season) is we overcame a lot of obstacles to get here. We are disappointed we didn’t win.

“We’re losing some great leadership, but we have got a bunch of talented young guys.”

On having a bright future in 2017:

"We have a bunch of talented young guys."

-Gus Malzahn 1/2/17

— Auburn Forever Young (@AUYouthExcuse) January 3, 2017

Auburn will open the 2017 season against Georgia Southern on Sept. 2.