Ad Disclosure
Though Gus Malzahn’s standing as Auburn’s coach is apparently safe, he still certainly wants to notch a win against arch-rival Alabama.
Auburn will have its hands full against the top-ranked Crimson Tide this weekend, and Malzahn previewed the matchup during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. He discussed his experience in the Iron Bowl, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and how to disrupt the Crimson Tide’s offense without selling out with blitzes.
The Tigers (7-4, 3-4 SEC) travel to face Alabama (11-0, 7-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Below are Malzahn’s full responses from Wednesday’s teleconference.
On LSU DC Dave Aranda:
- We played against him when he was at Wisconsin, too. His kids play hard.
Any adjustments that stand out there?
- We had a tough turnover, that’s the biggest thing. We had a chance for some points but the corner made a big play.
On the run game’s success against Liberty:
- First of all, you have to be real, know they don’t have the same personnel. But we have to run the ball to be successful in this upcoming game.
What was your first Iron Bowl moment?
- The first time I called the game as a coordinator. You have to experience it to understand it; it just takes that one time.
On Alabama’s staff overhaul, has much changed?
- (Nick) Saban’s defense is always going to be in his world. There may be tweaks, but it is what you get. Offensively, they have done a job of being balanced. It looks like they lean on the pass more than usual.
On Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa:
- He doesn’t turn the ball over, he’s accurate and it doesn’t appear that he’s been uncomfortable all season.
On limiting Alabama without blitzing:
- The challenge for us will be stopping the run, making the quarterback uncomfortable.
On RB Boobee Whitlow:
- Yeah, he looks good. He will be ready to go.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
