TAMPA, Fla. — Another season is in the books and whatever momentum that was gained by an impressive effort and victory in the Iron Bowl was diminished by a disappointing 31-24 loss to Minnesota in the Outback Bowl.

Head coach Gus Malzahn was in no mood to talk about New Year’s Resolutions for his program after the loss prevented his team from a 10-win season. Instead, the Tigers had to settle for a 9-4 campaign that had its share of ups and downs.

“I’m not thinking about that right now,” Malzahn told Saturday Down South after the loss Tuesday. “I’m just disappointed (about the outcome of the game). We’ll kind of take it and you kind of evaluate it as a coach, look at the whole year. There’s some good things that happened. We’ll turn the page for next year, but I’m not that far (yet).”

Well, let me help you out, coach. Here are 5 New Year’s Resolutions the Tigers need to make and keep for the 2020 season.

1. Get in that weight room

Surprisingly, the Tigers got pushed around at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football in their loss to Minnesota. That’s really where the difference in the game took place. Minnesota was able to rush for 215 yards while the Tigers managed just 56 for themselves.

“They got after us up front,” Malzahn said. “I think that’s just the facts of the matter.”

He knows his team’s shortcomings. I expect this to be Priority 1 during the offseason.

2. Bo Nix, coach him up

The freshman quarterback faced the toughest competition this season and on occasion took his lumps. But if Malzahn is sold on Nix, and all indications are that he is, then the development phase has to start immediately.

“I’ve said this before, he’s going to win a championship for us before he gets out of here,” Malzahn said. “He’s going to be a really good quarterback for us. More than that, I think he’s going to be a great leader for us. That’s my expectations. I’m glad he’s our quarterback. He’ll have a very good career.”

3. Don’t put the entire season on the Iron Bowl; save some for the postseason

Malzahn is now 2-5 in bowl games. He owns more wins against Alabama (3) than bowl victories. Add to that the fact that after all 3 times the Tigers have beaten the Tide, they have promptly lost their bowl game.

Or is it just the bowl preparation itself that needs the attitude adjustment? I asked Malzahn about that very thing.

“Bottom line, you’re here to win a bowl game,” he said. “We’re focused on winning. When you’re back home, you start getting the young guys (ready for next season). But when you get here (in Tampa) you focus on winning the game. We used the same formula we did last year.”

Hmm, last year’s bowl victory came on the heels of an Iron Bowl loss. Coincidence?

4. Maybe rethink the trick plays

Example A: the failed fake punt attempt that sucked the air out of any momentum they were building in the Outback Bowl.

Auburn had just tied the score at 24 and stopped the Gophers on their following possession. The Tigers drove to midfield but then bogged down. Instead of punting with the opportunity of pinning Minnesota deep in its territory, Malzahn had punter Arryn Siposs throw a pass, which ultimately fell just out of the reach of his intended receiver.

The Gophers took over on downs and extinguished the last of the Tigers’ momentum in the game.

However, Malzahn defended the decision after the game.

“I liked (the decision),” Malzahn said. (Their defender) had his arms around (our receiver) while the ball is in the air. I don’t know, they didn’t call it. That’s just part of it. I mean, we want to win the game. We’re going to be aggressive. And that could have easily been called interference, too.”

Aggressive? Certainly, but be smart about it also.

5. Put Chad Morris to work

So things didn’t work out for Morris at Arkansas. Who’s to say he won’t be an effective OC at Auburn? Malzahn said he has all the faith in the world in the former Razorbacks head coach.

“I’m very excited about him and his future,” Malzahn said. “I feel like he’s one of the best. After this bowl game, we’ll get our heads together. He’s going to have a great influence.”

We know how Malzahn likes to be the head honcho when it comes to offense, but putting Morris to work and setting clear parameters is going to be key for both if they are to co-exist successfully in 2020.