Auburn is off to a great start to the season, even if the Tigers are still reeling from the upset loss at Florida. The Tigers enter their bye week before they return to action against Arkansas ahead of a very difficult final six weeks to the season.

“We’ve played three top-20 teams away from home and we’re 5-1,” coach Gus Malzahn said, via Nathan King of Auburn Rivals. We have a week off and it’s a much-needed week off. I think the timing right now is good. We’re going to self-evaluate. You know, we’re going to get a head start on our next opponent, and get healthier, then work on improving our execution this next week.”

Despite the Florida loss, there were plenty of positives from that game, most notably the Auburn defense with seven tackles for loss, four sacks and the four fumble recoveries.

Malzahn then took a big picture view of the second half of the season with games coming up against LSU in Baton Rouge, and Georgia and Alabama on The Plains.

“So great opportunities for this team,” he said. “Like I said, we’re feeling tough today — tough loss. But we’ll wake up tomorrow, turn the page, and we’ll be looking forward to this second half of the season.”