Paul Finebaum shares harsh criticism of Gus Malzahn, wonders if he’s ‘in over his head’
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There are few who know more and are vocal about SEC football than Paul Finebaum.
The SEC Network host shared some very strong opinions about the future of Auburn coach Gus Malzahn when speaking with Michael Niziolek of the Ledger-Enquirer.
“That is probably the worst constructed game plan I’ve ever seen,” Finebaum told Niziolek about Auburn’s offensive strategy against Clemson. “Unmitigated disaster and the blame goes to Malzahn. It makes you ask is he an offensive genius or a high school coach that’s been fortunate to make the most of his opportunities but is in over his head?”
This weekend, Malzahn will face another head coach on the hot seat when Auburn plays LSU and Les Miles. Many believe that whichever coach loses Saturday’s matchup will effectively be finished with his program.
Finebaum wouldn’t go that far, but he does believe it’s a crucial game for Malzahn.
“To me it’s a critical game,” Finebaum told Niziolek. “Maybe not do or die, but certainly this will set the tone for the rest of the season. I mean do the math. Without this one, it’s hard to see them doing much better than .500.”
Touted as an offensive genius, Malzahn’s team has struggled to get production on that side of the ball. Auburn is currently No. 85 nationally in scoring offense, averaging 26.7 points per game, and No. 44 in total offense with 455.7 yards per game.
After leading Auburn to the national championship game in 2013, his first season as the Tigers’ head coach, Malzahn has struggled to recapture that success. The team went 8-5 in 2014 and 7-5 last year. With two losses already this season, Malzahn’s job may very well be on the line this Saturday.
