Gus Malzahn met with the media after Auburn’s closed scrimmage Saturday, one that wasn’t as one-sided defensively as the first according to coach.

On overall play: “(We) had a good one today, close to 100 plays as far as practice was concerned.

On scenarios: “We had a couple two-minute situations, 1s against 1s, 2s against 2s. then we put the ball down and had a scrimmage, working primarily with two groups. the coaches rotated guys in and out. the emphasis was on a little bit more throwing. We were close to 65-70 percent pass in today’s scrimmage.”

On how scrimmage played out: “It was more close today. There were some good things on defense and I think the offense came out and executed and performed better.”

On Jeremy Johnson: “He looked good. He threw the ball 20-plus times, wanted to give him some reps out there. He performed well.”

On importance of this scrimmage: “We’re giving everyone the opportunity trying to put the pieces to the puzzle in all phases. Special teams is always important to young guys, then you evaluate them offensively and defensively and see where they’re at at this point. As coaches, it’s also difficult to project the guys that really have a chance to help us this year. Like I said all along, there’s going to be quite a few young guys that do help us this year. this was a big evaluation day for a lot of guys.”

On big passing plays: “Our emphasis was throwing the ball today and letting Jeremy have more throws. The offense did make some plays in the passing game, but also, the defense did a good job on some of the passing situations too. It was good to see some big plays out of the offense but at the same time there were also some big plays from the defense.”

On Peyton Barber taking advantage of opportunity: “I think so. He’s got more experience than any of the tailbacks that are here. He’s getting to be a guy we can really count on. Roc’s (Thomas) done a very good job in fall camp getting to be a guy we can count it. Jovon (Robinson) got quite a few carries today and protected the football. He did some very god things. We’re in very good position going into the year that we’ve got three guys. And of course, Kerryon.

On pass protection: “I’ll need to see the film. Big picture, defense got some pressure on the quarterback a few times. that is the goal, we do have depth of seven or eight guys.”

On Duke Williams leaving practice: “I don’t believe he left. I think we took him out. He was out there and got to play some.”

On Williams’ play: “Wasn’t anything that stood out to me. He’s in the process of every day getting better.”

Was Williams injured? “I don’t think so, but he’s alright.”

You can watch Malzahn’s full presser at AL.com.