Gus Malzahn reveals how Auburn players handled criticism heading into Ole Miss game
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To say that Auburn coach Gus Malzahn and his players were feeling some heat heading into last Saturday’s game would be a huge understatement.
The Tigers were coming off back-to-back disappointing SEC losses that sent them tumbling from No. 8 all the way out of the AP Top 25. First Auburn’s offense couldn’t get anything going at Mississippi State, then the team squandered a second-half lead at home against struggling Tennessee.
But the Tigers managed to reverse their fortunes with a 31-16 victory at Ole Miss last weekend, which gave them a ton of confidence heading into the current bye week.
“We had a few tough weeks,” Malzahn said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Our players just kept working. We had a good win that came at a good time heading into the bye week, and (we have) a good plan to finish out strong.”
Auburn (5-3, 2-3 SEC) returns to action against No. 16 Texas A&M next Saturday, and another win would relieve much of the pressure Malzahn is likely still experiencing.
Below is everything Malzahn said during the teleconference.
On the plan moving forward with RB Asa Martin:
- We will use this week to evaluate that. We have a few solid backs; the ones that do the best will be in there.
On OL Austin Troxell:
- Austin has worked hard, just waiting on his moment. He got to play some big moments in a big game for us. … He’s a competitor, and it’s important for him.
On the biggest factor in getting the win against Ole Miss?
- Really just running the football, that was a factor in that game.
On his tweaks, did you accomplish that in the Ole Miss game?
- With the limited time you have, that’s all you can really do. The bye week allows us to do more of that and work more on ourselves.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
