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It's game week, so that means we're back to Gus Malzahn's weekly Tuesday morning press conference! This PC was streamed online, but I had to teach a class at that hour, so I'm here with the usual Tweet-cap. Let's break down what Gus had to say.
Stephen Roberts is suspended for at least the Clemson game and will be "week-to-week" from there. It sounds like he's been told what he needs to do to get back with the team and it'll be up to him to do it. I didn't suspect he would be dismissed, but I'm not shocked at a suspension, either. I don't think it will last very long, but that's just my opinion.
Malzahn spoke about the depth chart that was released this morning a good bit. I'm going to try not to comment on the specifics of that just yet because I have a full post planned for it that should go up before long, today. It's notable that he emphasized Marlon Davidson's impact along with Montavious Atkinson on defense. The young guys have come to play.
On offense, the Will Hastings hype is out there, now. He's garnered a ton of praise behind the scenes. I'm surprised to see that he was actually listed high up on the depth chart, though. He could be much more likely to see game action than I thought. I'll hopefully have more on him, later, too. That the freshmen running backs will play should come as no surprise to anyone. We've known we needed them to step up.
Kevin Steele and Herb Hand will coach from the booth. I'm a bit surprised that Steele is coaching from the booth. I can't remember if that's been his common practice or not. Hand doesn't surprise me as much. He has a great offensive mind and getting him up there should help Gus and Rhett find and exploit tendencies of defenses.
Now to the Tweets!
"We're excited about playing at home. That will be important in this game." - Gus Malzahn
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) August 30, 2016
Malzahn said Clemson QB Deshaun Watson is "one of the best players in college football, if not *the* best player." https://t.co/c3JsL4pQmR
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) August 30, 2016
Gus Malzahn suspends cornerback Stephen Roberts for the Clemson game after his arrest last week
— Bryan Matthews (@BMattAU) August 30, 2016
He adds Roberts' suspension "will be week-to-week."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 30, 2016
"You can tell he's their leader. I like the way he plays." - Malzahn on Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) August 30, 2016
Gus Malzahn said WR Will Hastings, the surprise of the depth chart, "has a chance to be a solid player for us." https://t.co/c3JsL4pQmR
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) August 30, 2016
Auburn LB Montravious Atkinson has "a nose for the football" and is listed as a starter at weakside LB - https://t.co/5YgVfD3Sn1
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) August 30, 2016
Linebacker Montavious Atkinson has risen up the depth chart at linebacker. Malzahn says he has a "nose for the football"
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 30, 2016
Gus on Carl Lawson: "I know what we can do. He's healthier than he's ever been. Impact player."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) August 30, 2016
Malzahn: Marlon Davidson "made an immediate impact in the spring, and that's carried over into the fall."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 30, 2016
Malzahn says Kevin Steele and @CoachHand will both be in the booth for Auburn on Saturday
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 30, 2016
Gus: "Our team's kind of had a chip on their shoulder, which I think is good."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 30, 2016
"Kam Martin is a guy that we think is going to be an excellent player." - Gus Malzahn
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) August 30, 2016
Malzahn on freshman WRs: "They're what we thought they were." Nate Craig-Myers, Eli Stove, Kyle Davis on depth chart and will play, he says
— John Zenor (@jzenor) August 30, 2016
Gus on Sean: "The experience factor. He knows how to prepare. What to expect. We know what to expect out of him." More comfort than 2015.
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) August 30, 2016
"They put pressure on the offense. They play on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage." - Gus Malzhn on Clemson defensive front
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) August 30, 2016
Auburn running back newcomers Kam Martin, Malik Miller will 'definitely play on special teams and in running back packages' says Gus Malzahn
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) August 30, 2016
Malzahn says he hopes going up against the Auburn defensive line each day will help the offense.
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) August 30, 2016
Gus on Kerryon: "We recruited him to be the guy. Continued to play last year when banged up. Tough guy. Confident. Ready for the challenge."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) August 30, 2016
Malzahn won't disclose who Auburn's No. 2 quarterback is at this point. But he's "got a good idea" who will get 2nd-team reps
— John Zenor (@jzenor) August 30, 2016