Gus Malzahn shares the latest on the QB competition following Auburn scrimmage
By Keith Farner
Published:
Looking for clarity in his ongoing quarterback competition, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn watched his players work through a disappointing scrimmage on Thursday, at least offensively.
“If I was a coordinator, I wouldn’t have a smile on my face right now,” Malzahn said, and added that it “overall was good” as he shared a recap with reporters about how the defense controlled the action.
Malzahn added there was some good and bad regarding the QB competition between Joey Gatewood and Bo Nix, and he would need another scrimmage to make a decision on the starter.
Without sharing many details on several turnovers, Malzahn said there were two interceptions, including a deflection off of a receiver and an outstanding play by a safety that includes a pick-six. A running back had a fumble that went out of bounds, according to Justin Ferguson of The Athletic and Tom Green of AL.com.
The coaching staff also cranked up music for a third-down situation applied pressure to the young quarterbacks, the coach said.
The scrimmage covered 84 players and was split fairly evenly between first-, second- and third-team players.
“This scrimmage will really be highly graded on effort,” Malzahn said.
One positive was kicker Anders Carlson who made a 58-yard field goal, and then added a 48-yard field goal in a pressure situation where every player would have to do 10 up-downs if he missed.
Malzahn said the offensive line will be “solid” and “has a chance to be really good.”
As he announced earlier this week, Malzahn said Eli Stove and Will Hastings were limited, by design.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
