Gus Malzahn 4 October 2016 Press Conference Recap

Gus confirmed today the reports that came out yesterday that running back Malik Miller had surgery on his injured knee. He could be back before the end of the season, although it still wouldn't surprise me if they try to redshirt him. In his place, Stanton Truitt has been getting work at both running back and receiver. Truitt actually started the Clemson game at running back for Auburn and got a few snaps in on the Tigers' final drive against ULM last Saturday. If you're wondering about his size, he's two inches shorts and about 8 lbs heavier than Kam Martin at 5'9, 185, so I'm not terribly worried about that.

In good news, though, Kamryn Pettway and Xavier Dampeer will return from injury this weekend. The starting center is key going into a game at Davis-Wade Stadium with all of those cowbells.

I really hope Jalen Harris is getting more comfortable. Having a tight-end threat (especially one of his size) would take the passing game to another level.

Gus was diplomatic, as he usually is when asked about Jimbo Fisher's comments. Gus is right, too. Auburn does a pretty good job of playing within the rules. The Tigers rarely run RPOs, and, as he notes later, Auburn is also the least penalized team in the SEC right now.

See the collected tweets below!

Gus Malzahn announces that RB Malik Miller had knee surgery on Monday.

— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) October 4, 2016

Gus says Kamryn Pettway and Xavier Dampeer will both return this week.

— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) October 4, 2016

Malzahn says Miller could be back before the end of the year

— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) October 4, 2016

Gus notes Mississippi State is strong against the run: "We're going to have to be balanced."

— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) October 4, 2016

Malzahn on QB Nick Fitzgerald says "it all starts with their quarterback who is a true dual-threat guy" - https://t.co/kJ9fKWt3zV

— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) October 4, 2016

Auburn's Gus Malzahn says receiver Stanton Truitt is working at running back: 'He's really good with the ball in his hands.'

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) October 4, 2016

Gus Malzahn: "Kind of rare" to be going into week six for first road game

— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) October 4, 2016

Gus: "Communication will be big this week" in preparing to deal with crowd noise in Davis-Wade Stadium.

— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) October 4, 2016

Gus says Jalen Harris "is getting better every week."

"Things are starting to click for him."

— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) October 4, 2016

Gus on Ryan Davis: "Starting to mature. Very good with the ball in his hands. Each game, getting more confidence." Runs north-south.

— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) October 4, 2016

Auburn HC Gus Malzahn on Jimbo Fisher's comments from Monday: "I think we do a good job playing within the rules." https://t.co/Ux2mXPgMr9

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) October 4, 2016

Gus on Sean: "You've seen him each game getting more comfortable. His completion percentage gets better each game. He's efficient."

— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) October 4, 2016

Gus: "I think we're starting to figure out who we are, offensively."

— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) October 4, 2016

Gus on JF3: "No doubt he's starting to get more comfortable. He's always ready. He's improving."

— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) October 4, 2016

Gus Malzahn: "We are proud of that stat" referring to leading SEC in least penalties

— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) October 4, 2016

Gus on OL depth: "Darius played well against LSU. His first start (vs ULM), did some good things. Really helps us w/our depth."

— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) October 4, 2016