:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50840663/GettyImages-458647492.0.jpg)
With the Tigers opening up SEC play this weekend against the Aggies of Texas A&M, let's check in on the weekly SEC Teleconference and see what Kevin Sumlin and Gus Malzahn had to say about their own teams and each others' teams.
Kevin Sumlin
I'll start off by saying that I think Sumlin's comments are exactly why Sean White is the best QB even without last weekend's performance. He makes the opposing team have to worry about the pass. After last Saturday, where he was hitting on 74% of his passes for 10+ yards per pass, he is even more dangerous. Teams always have to account for the run against a Gus Malzahn team. With White, they're having to focus a lot on pass defense, as well.
I'm still laughing at his comment that both QBs threw the ball well, though, since JFIII didn't throw a single pass.
Sumlin says that he's prepping for Auburn's system, not necessarily QB Sean White or QB John Franklin.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 14, 2016
Texas A&M's Kevin Sumlin says both John Franklin III and Sean White "threw the ball extremely well last week." JFIII didn't attempt a pass.
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 14, 2016
Sumlin says Auburn's D is similar to what it ran last year with Muschamp. "Carl Lawson is a really good pass rusher."
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 14, 2016
A&M coach Kevin Sumlin on Auburn: 'I thought they executed their passing game last week as well I've seen them.' Aggies vs. Tigers Saturday
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 14, 2016
Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin praises Auburn's passing, but 'we have to be prepared for the power running game.' Via SEC teleconference.
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 14, 2016
This is the second time this week that suggests Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin is concerned about Auburn’s power running game. #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) September 14, 2016
Well, yeah. It was largely the running game that bit the Aggies last season, and run defense has been their Achilles Heel overall in recent years.
Gus Malzahn
The only real news here is that T.J. Neal will be available for this game. He did not dress for last week's game against Arkansas State. The offensive line is something Auburn definitely needed to improve from Week 1 to Week2, and they did. Hopefully, they can improve even more from Week 2 to Week 3.
I love the thought of more of the young receivers. They're all extremely talented and have shown that on the field.
Malzahn on A&M: "Overall a very talented team, and we're glad we're playing at home."
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 14, 2016
Auburn HC Gus Malzahn talks about A&M’s "very talented" WRs who also concern him in the return game. #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) September 14, 2016
Malzahn on OL: "They improved and executed at a pretty high level. We'll have to continue to improve and gel."
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 14, 2016
Auburn HC Gus Malzahn on DB Marshall Taylor: "It was good to get him out there. I just think he’s trying to get in playing shape" #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) September 14, 2016
Gus Malzahn says DB Marshall Taylor is 'definitely a guy who can help us the rest of the season.' LB T.J. Neal expected to play Saturday.
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 14, 2016
Malzahn says linebacker T.J. Neal will be available against Texas A&M after being held out last week.
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 14, 2016
Malzahn on Cowart: "I thought he's been very sufficient."
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 14, 2016
Talk about damning with faint praise.
Auburn's Gus Malzahn on his freshman receivers: 'You'll see those guys with bigger roles as the season goes.'
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 14, 2016