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It’s Iron Bowl week, and Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn had plenty to say about the upcoming rivalry game during his weekly radio show.
Auburn (6-5) hosts No. 2 Alabama (10-1) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be shown on CBS.
Malzahn: “It’s Iron Bowl week; It’s different, no doubt.”
— Tom Green (@AUBlog) November 24, 2015
One of the first things that sticks out about Alabama in Malzahn’s mind is its dominant front seven on defense. He said you can’t replicate those defensive linemen and linebackers in practice.
What stands out about Alabama’s front seven? Malzahn: “Their talent. They’re big, they’re fast, they’re strong.” — Tom Green (@AUBlog) November 24, 2015
Malzahn is also impressed with star Alabama running back Derrick Henry. The 6-foot-3, 242-pound Henry has rushed for 1,526 yards and 21 touchdowns, and is a favorite for the Heisman Trophy.
How do you stop Derrick Henry? Malzahn: You got to gang tackle him. … He’s a special player.”
— Tom Green (@AUBlog) November 24, 2015
One caller asked Malzahn if Auburn planned to run any trick plays against Alabama. The Tigers’ coach responded by saying he didn’t want to reveal too much, but did say that you have to be aggressive when you’re playing in the Iron Bowl.
Gus Malzahn on trick plays in IB: “When you play Iron Bowls you got to be aggressive. I don’t want to say too much.” https://t.co/6XaPVB3gyf — James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) November 24, 2015
Malzahn admitted the Tigers have had their ups and down this year.
Auburn’s Gus Malzahn on Tiger Talk: “We’ve had ups and downs. They’ve battled through the downs. It says a lot about our team.” — Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 24, 2015
The coach was pleased with Jeremy Johnson’s play at quarterback last week. Johnson passed for 163 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-34 win over Idaho.
Gus Malzahn: “I thought Jeremy had his best game (vs. Idaho).” https://t.co/6XaPVB3gyf — James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) November 24, 2015
Malzahn is unsure whether Johnson or Sean White will start for Auburn on Saturday. Both could see action in the game.
Gus Malzahn says he doesn’t know if Auburn will play two quarterbacks in the Iron Bowl. Sean White missed the last game with injuries. — Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 24, 2015
Malzahn is thrilled to have a pair of running backs as good as Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson. Barber has rushed for 947 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Robinson has come on strong lately, and now has 462 yards rushing and two touchdowns, and is averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
Auburn’s Gus Malzahn on RBs Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson: “We have the luxury of having two big guys who can really carry the load.” — Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 24, 2015
The offensive line was missing center Austin Golson and left tackle Shon Coleman last week. But both of them practiced on Monday, and Malzahn expects them to play against Alabama.
Malzahn says both Shon Coleman and Austin Golson practiced today. — Tom Green (@AUBlog) November 24, 2015
Malzahn praising Devonte Danzey’s play at center and Robert Leff’s effort at LT last week. Felt like holding Coleman out was the right thing — Tom Green (@AUBlog) November 24, 2015
Tucker Tuberville, a walk-on senior quarterback, got his first snaps as a Tiger against Idaho. Malzahn was happy that Tuberville, who usually quarterbacks the scout team in practice, got to play in a game.
Gus Malzahn on playing backup QB Tucker Tuberville last Saturday: “Tucker deserved to get in there. It was good to see him do his thing.” — Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 24, 2015
Looking back at his team’s win over Idaho, Malzahn said he was pleased that the Tigers’ defense forced three turnovers. He felt the offense really got in a rhythm.
Tiger Talk airs on Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET, and features Malzahn taking calls from Auburn fans. The show can be streamed online at this link.
