Knowing that the pressure is officially off hasn’t changed Gus Malzahn’s perspective on this season.
During the SEC Coaches Teleconference on Wednesday, Malzahn was asked about Auburn athletic director Allen Greene saying he will “absolutely” retain his job as the Tigers coach next year. In response, Malzahn echoed the comments he had made all season even as scrutiny began to intensify.
“We talk quite a bit,” Malzahn said. “I’ve said this before: We have had a tough year, but we can finish strong. Our future is bright, but I’m worried about Georgia at the moment.”
No. 24 Auburn (6-3, 3-3 SEC) visits the No. 5 Bulldogs (8-1, 6-1) at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, and a win there would make good on Allen’s support. Malzahn previewed the Tigers’ rivalry game during his portion of the teleconference, and you can read his comments below.
How important is time of possession?
- Time of possession is only a factor when you aren’t scoring points. When you are scoring, that doesn’t really matter.
Why has been rushing been so tough?
- Losing five seniors, losing our running back — it’s a process.
On Georgia stopping Kentucky last weekend:
- That was impressive. They do a good job of rotating guys in and out, keeping their guys fresh.
On Nick Coe and Derrick Brown, how good have they been?
- They got experience in some big games last year, and they are taking it to another level. They play the run, rush the passer.
On Auburn’s defense, how it stacks up:
- We are talented up front. As long as we stop the run, we are very good on defense. It starts up there.
On Georgia RB Elijah Holyfield:
- He breaks tackles. We know him well; we recruited him.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
