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Gus Malzahn now here. "We're playing a very solid opponent in Louisiana Tech." Mentions that the defense "presents a lot of challenges."
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 23, 2014
Malzahn says "we know who we are" as an offense. Auburn has to execute better.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAEricksonAU) September 23, 2014
"We’re not sounding a big alarm or anything like that," Malzahn says about offense "But expectations are different this year."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAEricksonAU) September 23, 2014
Trovon Reed, put on an island at corner, understands offenses, understands routes, understands splits, Malzahn says
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAEricksonAU) September 23, 2014
Malzahn still saying he’s aiming to give RB Roc Thomas more opportunities.
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) September 23, 2014
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn on uneven play at K-State: "We're going to go back to some basics." But..."we're not sounding any big alarms."
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 23, 2014
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn on DB Rudy Ford: "You can see his confidence level rising every game. He's a playmaker on defense right now."
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 23, 2014
Malzahn said punting into the wind and not getting into their lanes is a big reason for the long punt returns by Tyler Lockett last week.
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 23, 2014
And uncalled blocks in the back. Don't forget those.
Auburn's Gus Malzahn said others could occasionally punt or kick off in an attempt to rest Daniel Carlson's leg.
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 23, 2014
We've already seen this with kickoffs late in some games, and with the first punt in the KSU game.
Malzahn: Backup OL Jordan Diamond had surgery and is out for the season.
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 23, 2014
Hate to hear this. Diamond has been dealing with injury issues his whole time here at Auburn.
Auburn's Gus Malzahn on his defense: "I think we've definitely improved. I like the direction we're going."
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 23, 2014
Malzahn: "Nothing's changed" regarding Jermaine Whitehead. Won't be allowed on sideline. http://t.co/chkKyAuxHY
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) September 23, 2014
Malzahn on the text from Bielema: "That was real nice of him."
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) September 23, 2014
If you haven't already heard, Bielema sent Gus a text after the KSU congratulating him on the victory. Bielema knows how tough Manhattan is from his time there as co-defensive coordinator in 2002-03.
Malzahn on Nick Marshall: "Bottom line, our quarterback wins. You compare him -- we’ve got the best guy."
— Justin Hokanson (@JHokanson) September 23, 2014
If you've missed it, Justin Hokanson is back covering the Tigers after the expiration of a "non-compete" clause from his time with Rivals. He is now with AuburnUndercover, the Auburn 247sports site.
Gus Malzahn on recruiting players with domestic violence history: "We don't go there"
— Bryan Matthews (@BMattAU) September 23, 2014
I include this because it is likely a reference (though I haven't heard the question asked) to this report from al.com that Auburn may be recruiting former UGA defensive lineman Jonathan Taylor, who was dismissed from UGA for, among other things, "aggravated assault/family violence." I don't know the full details, but I hope we don't take Taylor. We don't need to continue the perception many have of Auburn recruiting thugs or criminals. I realize we've had great success with cast offs from other schools, but I really don't like the perception that Auburn is taking anyone just in order to win.
Taylor may be a new person, but from his quotes I'm not so sure that's the case. Let's hope that the report from al.com is just misleading and that the only reason there is any discussions with him is because Rodney Garner is trying to reach out and provide support to a former recruit of his at UGA.