Gus Malzahn says Auburn’s No. 1 focus right now is getting healthy
By Cody McClure
Published:
Gus Malzahn appeared on his usual radio show, “Tiger Talk,” on Thursday night to discuss Auburn’s bye week, as well as its previous game against Arkansas and its next one at Texas A&M.
After going to battle for eight consecutive weeks, the Tigers will not play on Saturday. Malzahn said Auburn’s bye week is coming at a wonderful time.
Below are a few things Malzahn said during his radio show, via Twitter.
Other quotes from Malzahn were obtained from this report from AL.com.
On last week’s game vs. Arkansas:
Auburn’s Gus Malzahn on last weekend at Arkansas: ‘Was a very convincing win going into this off week.’ Now, ‘No. 1 goal is to get healthy’
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) October 26, 2017
More on getting healthy…
Gus Malzahn on Tiger Talk: “It would be really nice to get our entire team healthy for our last four games.”
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) October 26, 2017
“Everybody has been out there in practice, but not putting them in situations where they can tweak something or regress in terms of injury,” Malzahn said. “Goal is to have full practice Sunday with everybody out there.”
On the team improving in certain areas during the bye week :
Gus Malzahn grades his offense during off week: ‘You can see they’re improved… more balanced.’
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) October 26, 2017
“Need to continue explosive plays, pace last week was best it has been all year,” he added. “One of main priorities this week is to get better look at younger players, challenging them to step up. Also cleaning up things with starters and correcting mistakes.”
Gus Malzahn on his special teams during this off week: Kick returns, he said, is ‘going to be the focus.’
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) October 26, 2017
Next week’s early kick against the Aggies shouldn’t be an issue.
Gus Malzahn said he doesn’t mind early kickoffs, ‘when you’re playing on the road.’
Tigers; next game is at 11 a.m. at Texas A&M on Nov. 4
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) October 26, 2017
More on A&M and the danger of the Aggies return man:
“Special teams focus is on coverage, especially with Christian Kirk coming up. Auburn has allowed a return touchdown in two straight games.”
One more note from the AL.com report:
“Malzahn’s birthday is this weekend. Says he hasn’t had a birthday cake in some time, but he and wife Kristi will probably grab dinner somewhere on Saturday.”
Cody McClure is an SEC Football Writer for Saturday Down South. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also co-hosts a midday sports radio show for FOX Sports. Cody previously worked for Athlon Sports.
