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So, this may be one of the most information-filled Gus Malzahn press conferences since I've been doing the Tweet-caps even though there aren't that many tweets. I'm thrilled with a good bit of it, too.
First, let's get to the QB part... It appears Jeremy Johnson is out of the picture, for the moment. It looks like Sean White is the man, right now, and that's the way it should be after Saturday's game.
I like that he's admitting his plan failed. In the post-game presser, it was sounding like he was going to be a lot more stubborn about sticking with the rotation.
Stephen Roberts is back from his suspension, though we don't know how much he'll play. More on that in a bit, because I think it plays into something else.
Kam Pettway will have a bigger role (yay!). Nate Craig-Myers and Kyle Davis will have more roles as they get more experience (excellent!). Praised Will Hastings (of course). He also said Rudy Ford could see more snaps on offense. That sounds nuts at first, but I think it's a product of getting Stephen Roberts back, Holsey's performance, and also Nick Ruffin's performance. He's more confident in the DBs and thinks he can get a serious playmaker the ball more.
So, it sounds like the QB rotation is gone, more playmakers on offense, get into a rhythm, and keep letting the defense be awesome and maybe even improve. That's a recipe for success that could see the Tigers having a very good season from here on it.
Now let's get after it.
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: Defense played outstanding, watched film, "better than I thought"
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 6, 2016
Malzahn: "For the most part, on the pass plays, we made them earn it. The quarterback made some outstanding throws."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) September 6, 2016
Malzahn: Sean White is starting QB, John Franklin III is No. 2.
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 6, 2016
"Our plan was to play all three quarterbacks. We thought it was successful, and it wasn't." - Malzahn
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) September 6, 2016
Auburn safety Stephen Roberts served a one-game suspension and returns for Arkansas State.
— John Zenor (@jzenor) September 6, 2016
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: "We have turned the page on last week"
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 6, 2016
Malzahn: Jeremy Johnson will "get some reps" in practice still.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) September 6, 2016
"Jeremy will be ready if called upon. He'll be ready if we need him."
"The reality is, we have a really solid team, and I think we have the chance to be really good." Malzahn with some ire in him. I like it.
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) September 6, 2016
Gus: "We can play with anybody in the country. That's what we learned last Saturday night."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 6, 2016
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: Both Kyle Davis and Nate Craig-Myers will be featured more & more, just need more reps
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 6, 2016
Malzahn says Kam Pettway will have a bigger role on Saturday
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) September 6, 2016
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: One of the best defensive performances since I've been here
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) September 6, 2016
Gus on Will Hastings: "He's got some natural ability. Real quick guy." Moment wasn't too big for him.
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 6, 2016
Auburn's Gus Malzahn on QB John Franklin: 'For the first time out there, I think he did a good job.'
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 6, 2016
Look for Kamryn Pettway to have a bigger role in Auburn's offense Saturday. Maybe Rudy Ford, too. That's here: https://t.co/kLwDynKnYp
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) September 6, 2016