In the SEC, plenty of coaches are known for fiery sideline antics and getting in the face of officials. Gus Malzahn was not considered one of them, but he might be after Saturday.

During Auburn’s 31-16 win over Ole Miss, Malzahn had an animated exchange with an official after a holding penalty was called. It resulted in another flag, this time for unsportsmanlike conduct on Malzahn.

Players took notice. Malzahn’s exchange with the officials was a popular topic of conversation in postgame interviews with Tigers players.

“That was the first time I’ve ever seen Coach Malzahn just get that upset in a game for us,” DE Marlon Davidson told AL.com’s Tom Green. “I mean, it was incredible. That gave us drive. When you see your coach fighting for you, you want to fight for your coach. I love Coach Malzahn. I hope he’s here for a long time, especially with me.”

LG Marquel Harrell said he was proud of Malzahn for sticking up for Tigers players.

“It was exciting man, because Coach Malzahn is usually like a chill person, but then seeing him get the 15 yards, I was like, ‘Yeah, Coach,’ and super happy because I was yelling at the sideline,” Harrell told Green. “I was like, yeah, just trying to get the crowd into it. I’m proud, man.”

On the brink of disaster, the Tigers showed some fight on Saturday. Perhaps Malzahn deserves some credit for displaying some fire.