Auburn’s defense has lived up to the hype and coach Gus Malzahn said it’s close to being in a class by itself. Is it the best he’s ever had at Auburn?

“We have played great defense all year,” Malzahn said on the SEC media teleconference. “I’ve said that leading into the season and they have a chance to be the best I’ve ever had and they are well on their way to earning that honor.”

Malzahn also explained how he’s evolved as a playcaller and how offenses have changed over the years with the no huddle.

“In high school we did it. and at Tulsa and when we got into the league, too,” he said. “Now everyone has some form of it, it’s still a part of what we did. when we are playing our best, we are explosive and hitting big plays. I think, when I first got into the league, we were the only team running no huddle and now everyone has some version of it.”

Playing up tempo is also a newer wrinkle.

“Now the fact that everyone has it, now that you practice against it, it helps,” he said. “It’s different from 2009.”

Malzahn was also asked about being inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame.

“It’s a huge honor, I’m on cloud 9,” he said. “It’s a huge honor. I’m excited to be in the next class.”

Here’s what else he said on the call:

  • On the coaches shows do you enjoy it? It’s part of the routine, it’s part of the job. I enjoy parts of it.
    at times it can get testy, do you know that going into it? I’ve been here so long, I’ve been part of big wins and some tough losses so you kinda know what to expect.
  • On Ole Miss-MSU game: It’s hard to tell how they match up but both teams are talented, both have running QBs. We recruited Plumlee, he is really impressive when you watch him in person.
  • On playing Samford, with the Iron Bowl looming: Our guys understand that we have another opponent, we have had success getting ready for these games in the past, as far as next week, we will cross the bridge when we get there.