Gus Malzahn: Win over Washington provides 'momentum' ahead of SEC schedule
It was certainly a nail-biter, but the Auburn Tigers were able to pull out the win over No. 6 Washington in Atlanta.
The Tigers’ defense came up big multiple times throughout the game and used a late stop to seal the win. It is a good season-opening victory for the Tigers and shows that they will be a legitimate threat in the SEC this season.
QB Jarrett Stidham was the star of the game with 273 yards passing and a touchdown on 26-of-36 passing. There will always be things to work on moving forward, but Auburn at least passed its first true test of the season.
After the game, head coach Gus Malzahn had the following to say about the Tigers’ winning effort:
“A couple things really stand out. That last drive offensively. We scored and had a big third-down play…Our defense, I think they got inside our 15-yard line three times and held them to three points. I think that’s huge.”
Auburn's Gus Malzahn on win over Washington: 'We beat one of the better teams in the country. '
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 1, 2018
Gus Malzahn on Jarrett Stidham's performance: "I was pleased. Threw for quite a few yards against a top defense. They were as good as advertised."
— Painter Sharpless (@paintsharpless) September 1, 2018
What Malzahn learned from first game: Says last season team didn't win many close games. Mentions Auburn knew it would likely come down to a close game. Leaders like Stidham and Darrell Williams propelled team forward.
— Painter Sharpless (@paintsharpless) September 1, 2018
Malzahn says penalties where uncharacteristic and must be cleaned up
— Painter Sharpless (@paintsharpless) September 1, 2018
Gus Malzahn calls Auburn's 12 penalties 'uncharacteristic.'
'We've got to clean that up. The great thing is when you win, you can correct things a little bit easier.'
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 1, 2018
On the play call for the failed two-point conversion:
“Yeah, we were thinking it was gonna work. It worked against our defense, and our defense is pretty good.”
Auburn's Gus Malzahn on going for a 2-point conversion twice, including after the first touchdown of the game:
'We're going to be aggressive this year. That's just how it's going to go down.'
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 1, 2018
On how big a win against a top 10 team is:
“There’s no doubt it can give us momentum. They’re a top 10 team and well deserving of that. Definitely give us momentum ahead of SEC play.”
