With such high expectations going into 2018, Auburn’s offense has been incredibly disappointing, to say the least. The offensive line has been a shaky revolving door, there’s no true answer at running back, and quarterback Jarrett Stidham has not looked confident in the pocket and is just flat out missing his receivers.

With all the Tigers’ offensive struggles, Gus Malzahn’s was asked about the possibility of introducing backup quarterback Malik Willis into the fold on his weekly radio call-in show.

“That’s a possibility,” said Malzahn, “Malik is a guy that has been practicing extremely well.

“He’ll be ready if called upon.”

The sophomore was a 3-star recruit and the No. 21 athlete in the country in the Class of 2017, per the 247 Sports Composite. Willis has appeared in 10 career games, with only three of them coming this season.

Willis has thrown for 48 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 224 yards and a touchdown in his young Auburn career.

This Saturday could be the perfect opportunity for offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and his offense to start clicking against a Tennessee team that is in the midst of a rebuild under Jeremy Pruitt. However, if things continue to look the way they did last Saturday against Mississippi State, Gus Malzahn may elect to put in Malik Willis to provide a spark.

Or we could see both happen, if the Tigers blow out the Vols at home and Willis comes in for mop-up duty.

Auburn and Tennessee kick off in Jordan-Hare Stadium at Noon ET on the SEC Network.