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After last week's press conference, where he seemed almost depressed and apologetic, another different version of Gus came to the podium, today.
He spoke of turning over play calls and how he doesn't really think it's possible to be a head coach and a play caller in today's world. There are very few others trying to do that - Paul Johnson is the only one I know of - so he's probably right. There was also, of course, discussion of Auburn's red zone woes. I'm not sure how to take his responses, there. I just hope they don't try to get too cute with plays, but I do like that they're at least saying they'll try something new. We'll see if that's the case, soon.
The running backs are definitely a question answered, and we haven't even seen much of the freshmen. Pettway and Kerryon have been impressive, and Kerryon has definitely answered questions about his physicality.
Ugh, the Paul James III news stinks. Granted, James hadn't been a major contributor, but he's been in on some big plays. Thankfully, there is a ton of depth on the defensive line and that's one spot where we can afford an injury.
As to the player tweets... am I the only one that wants to see them let Daniel try to hit from 65? It would break the record for longest field goal in history. If he missed it, it would ruin his stats, but y'all know you want to see if he can really do it in game action, too. Maybe against Louisiana-Monroe or Alabama A&M? Or at the end of a half (just no kick-sixes!). And seeing Rudy talk about Malzahn's new attitude is refreshing, too.
Also, the Ashley Ward response to "don't try to catch his kicks" thing is funny.
Gus Malzahn says he decided after opener that turning over playcalling to Rhett Lashlee was "100 percent best for our team."
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 27, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Sometimes reality hits you, not realistic for him to call offense in this league
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 27, 2016
Gus Malzahn says 'in this day and time, in this league, I don't think it's realistic' to be a play-caller and head coach.
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 27, 2016
Gus says fixing the issues in the red zone will be the "number one focus."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) September 27, 2016
Gus: "If we can solve (red zone issues), we can be a very good offense."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 27, 2016
Malzahn said he'd been at times coaching angry this season before giving up playcalling.
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 27, 2016
Gus Malzahn: I felt like I was too negative first couple games, "living and dying with every play"
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 27, 2016
Malzahn "you do what's best for your team and sometimes reality hits you"
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) September 27, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Going to evaluate everything with red zone offense from scheme to play calling
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 27, 2016
Malzahn: "You will see some different things in the red zone from now on."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) September 27, 2016
Gus Malzahn: "I thought Kerryon Johnson was a full grown man" as physical as he's ever seen the running back
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 27, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Thinks question marks at running back have been answered
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 27, 2016
Malzahn says of Daniel Carlson: "Don't try to catch his kicks."
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 27, 2016
I can attest to this https://t.co/sUvwTYRzdt
— ashley ward (@AshLaWard) September 27, 2016
Gus Malzahn: Paul James III has knee injury, doesn't look like he will be back this season, "kind of a freak deal" happened in practice
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 27, 2016
Gus Malzahn: On Toomer's Corner fire hopes they punish "the guy big time"
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 27, 2016
Gus on tree fire: "The lady who caught the guy had enough courage and guts to call him out. I hope they punish the guy big time."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 27, 2016
Auburn's Gus Malzahn says Les Miles is 'a legend. Les is guy who helped make the SEC is what it is. He's a great coach. He's a great person'
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 27, 2016
New Gus Tweets
Man, never seen Gus Malzahn like that. More open. Refreshing. Admitting to mistakes. Wants to be a new coach. Don't see that often.
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) September 27, 2016
Not saying Gus Malzahn has multiple personalities, just that this Tuesday & last Tuesday couldn't be more different. No more sad Gus.
— Benjamin Wolk (@benjaminwolk) September 27, 2016
Fun player tweets!
Auburn kicker Daniel Carlson said he can hit from 65 yards and in without really changing his motion. He's hit from 70 at practice.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 27, 2016
Count Auburn DB Rudy Ford as someone who's seen a change in Gus Malzahn. "He was calm and relaxed last week. He let us have more fun."
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 27, 2016