Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn talked about injuries, quarterbacks and trying to get bowl-eligible during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
Auburn (5-4) hosts Idaho (3-7) this Saturday at 4 p.m. ET at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game will be shown on the SEC Network.
With a win, Auburn would become bowl-eligible, a fact the Tigers’ coach is well aware of.
Malzahn: Our goal is to get a victory and get bowl eligible. That’s what’s on our mind https://t.co/IPczLAreyb
— Tom Green (@AUBlog) November 17, 2015
Auburn’s offense has struggled at times this year. Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee has gotten a lot of the criticism, but Malzahn supports Lashlee and says the blame starts with the head coach.
Gus Malzahn “The bottom line is when we don’t do well offensively that’s on me” — Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) November 17, 2015
Malzahn also said that the offense didn’t change between the Texas A&M and Georgia games. Auburn scored 26 points against the Aggies (in a 26-10 win), but was held to 13 points by the Bulldogs (in a 20-13 loss).
With Sean White still trying to recover from a knee injury, Jeremy Johnson will probably get his third consecutive start at quarterback on Saturday.
Malzahn says Jeremy Johnson will “probably” start at quarterback this week with Sean White not 100 percent https://t.co/IPczLAreyb — Tom Green (@AUBlog) November 17, 2015
Malzahn believes Johnson has improved the past two weeks.
Gus Malzahn on QB Jeremy Johnson: “The last two weeks he’s really started to settle in. You can see him getting his confidence back.” — Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 17, 2015
Malzahn on Jeremy Johnson vs. Georgia “he could have played better but also did some good things” — Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) November 17, 2015
At the same time, Auburn’s coach would like to see more big plays out of the passing game.
Malzahn on long pass plays: “That’s what we’ve got to solve.” Says team needs more explosive pass plays https://t.co/IPczLAreyb — Tom Green (@AUBlog) November 17, 2015
Against Georgia, Jovon Robinson rushed for 93 yards on 12 carries, while Peyton Barber had 72 yards on 13 carries. Malzahn says the Tigers feel comfortable with either of the backs carrying the ball.
Malzahn said they went with Peyton Barber more in the second half “We’ve got confidence in both of them” — Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) November 17, 2015
Center Austin Golson could miss Saturday’s game. Golson suffered a knee injury last week. If Golson can’t play, Devonte Danzey would be the Tigers’ center.
Malzahn on Austin Golson “It’s going to be tough on Austin to play this week” tweaked knee last week. Avery Young No. 2 center this week — Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) November 17, 2015
Fellow center Xavier Dampeer will also miss the Idaho game. Dampeer is still recovering from injuries suffered in a bar fight last month. The fight led to receiver Duke Williams being dismissed from the team.
Malzahn on Austin Golson “It’s going to be tough on Austin to play this week” tweaked knee last week. Avery Young No. 2 center this week — Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) November 17, 2015
