Gus Malzahn called Jeremy Johnson an NFL-type quarterback prior to fall camp opening. The head coach is so confident in the sophomore’s ability to run Auburn’s offense that he, along with input from offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, decided before Nick Marshall’s citation that Johnson was going to see the field a lot this year.

At the time of Malzahn’s comments, back on July 14, we mentioned that opposing defenses might have to game plan for two quarterbacks. While Malzahn and Lashlee get to pick their offensive poison, opposing defenses coordinators will be working twice as hard to develop two different schemes.

On Wednesday, during the SEC coaches teleconference, Bielema said he and Arkansas defensive coordinator Rodd Smith will, in fact, have two different game plans to stop Johnson, the starter, as well as Nick Marshall.

“Gus obviously has had success over the course of time, no matter where he’s been, with his philosophy,” said Bielema. “He has some things that he’s tweaked along the way but obviously it’s an up-tempo offense that likes to put a flavor to it.

“We’re going to obviously have a game plan when Nick’s in the game. We’ll have a game plan when Jeremy Johnson, or anybody else that they throw in there. You’re not playing the player, you’re playing the team and it’s important for our guys to realize that.”

Johnson brings a strong arm to Auburn’s offense. In the limited amount of duty Johnson saw last year – all of the Western Carolina game, most of the Florida Atlantic game and spot duty the rest of the season – his pass efficiency rating was 195.73. His numbers totaled 29-of-41 for 422 yards and 6 touchdowns.

He is not completely incapable of running the football either.

“Jeremy can run the entire offense,” Malzahn said Monday night during his radio show. “He runs extremely well too. I know compared to Nick sometimes people forget that. He is outstanding quarterback, a real confident young man and his teammates respond to him.”

Granted it was only on 7 carries, but Johnson tallied 47 yards on the ground last year. It included a 16-yard gallop.

How Auburn’s two quarterbacks run is completely different too. Marshall’s got the zone read down to a science. It lends itself to No.14 mostly running outside the tackles. When Johnson runs, he tends to operate inside zone runs between the tackles.

In addition to game planning for different quarterbacks, Arkansas will be the first team to see the Tigers as they attempt to become a more balanced team. Auburn ran the ball six times more than they threw it in 2013.