:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50821929/usa-today-9532468.0.jpg)
It's press conference time! Gus met with the media today and had a good bit to say about last week's game as well as the upcoming game against Texas A&M.
John Chavis was an excellent hire by Kevin Sumlin as DC, and it has started to pay off for the Aggies. It helps that they have players like Myles Garrett. Auburn was able to limit him considerably last year, and I'm sure the Tigers would like to do the same thing this year. It's going to be interesting to see how they attack the A&M defensive line.
A lot of younger guys got to play this past weekend, including a few on the offensive line, thankfully. The Tigers' OL struggled against Clemson and while they performed much better against Arkansas State, they're going to need to take an equally big step forward this week. Other youngsters who played were all of the playmakers minus Tony Stevens, really. It is strange to see how much Jason Smith's role has diminished. I really thought he would be a starter and a key WR in his senior season.
There's the possibility of more gadget plays, huh? I'm not shocked. We saw two fake punts at the end of last season, after all. I wonder if Auburn will bust out The Woody and run something off it, again? I'd be tempted to run some form of fake misdirection off it.
There are a lot more little tidbits in here to discover, so dive in and see what the coach had to say! It's much more enjoyable coming off a good win than a loss.
Gus Malzahn says Texas A&M defensive coordinator John Chavis is one of the best in the country
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) September 13, 2016
Gus Malzahn: A&M defensive end tandem "has to be one of the best in country"
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 13, 2016
Gus praises Texas A&M's defensive ends: "Number 15, the Garrett kid, he's very special. Haven't seen many players with his skillset."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) September 13, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Tackles handling pass rush, "will be big factor in the game" need to protect the QB
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 13, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Darius James done solid job as sixth offensive lineman on certain packages, also played well coming in late
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 13, 2016
Gus on OL improvement from week 1 to 2: "Worked well together. Will have to continue to improve." Big test vs TAMU pass rushers.
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 13, 2016
Gus on OL Prince Tega: "Has a chance to be a really good player. Just needs experience." Good for him to get a chance to play vs Arky St.
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 13, 2016
Malzahn says that WR Jason Smith's role could continue to grow this season. Played very little in two games
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) September 13, 2016
Gus says "I think it was very important" to get Malik Miller and Kam Martin reps last game. Says they'll need them later on in the season.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) September 13, 2016
Auburn HC Gus Malzahn called WR Ryan Davis "one of our better practice players." @JayGTate said he's played the most offensive snaps so far.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 13, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Guys want to play, on why Auburn isn't redshirting as many freshmen, guys see opportunity to leave (for NFL) in three years
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 13, 2016
Malzahn on Saturday "this is SEC play and we need to raise our level"
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) September 13, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Trevor Knight a veteran guy that's played in big games, made some plays with feet this season, he's a good runner
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 13, 2016
Gus on Sean's running: "Big factor that we had some rushing yards. We're at our best when our QB is a running threat."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 13, 2016
Gus: "Every year is different. From a coach's standpoint, you come up with a plan you feel is best for that year and that group."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 13, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Sean White wasn't able to practice for A&M last year, was in meetings, was part of the game plan, but couldn't move
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 13, 2016
Gus on Sean: "He's a tough guy. You've got to know when to get down, and when to go for extra yards."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 13, 2016
Batman Day is this week. Gus Malzahn finally admitted to knowing what his secret Batman Formation is b/c, you know, he ran it Saturday night
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) September 13, 2016
https://t.co/Ib8PQQ1zLA https://t.co/Gf7IxH3b5S
— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) September 13, 2016
Gus on gadgets: "You do your homework all week. You're trying to score points. If you do stuff like that, gives opponents stuff to work on."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 13, 2016
Fake field goal and such? Auburn's Gus Malzahn says he may have a 'few more' tricks up his sleeve.
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 13, 2016
Auburn HC Gus Malzahn hopes CB Jeremiah Dinson will be back before the end of the year. He had a knee + shoulder injury vs. A&M last year.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 13, 2016
Gus on @FootballAU freshman DL: "the special ones have a chance" to play early. References M. Davidson & D. Brown.
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 13, 2016
And for added fun, a quote from Texas A&M QB Trevor Knight:
Knight: Carl Lawson is going to present a fun matchup for Eluemunor. He's going to get to showcase his talents for us.
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) September 13, 2016