DECISION 2019: VOTE WILLIS

PART ONE OF OUR DECISION 2019 SERIES BEGINS AS WE STUMP FOR A RETURN TO THE GREAT VALUES OF THE RECENT PAST. ENJOY.

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Everyone, we are in a period of extreme turmoil. Things are changing. The world is different than it was years ago. Certain practices must be evaluated and explored. Efficiency is key, and it’s what we’re striving for. We must learn to work together in this time of strife.

However, in this ever-moving landscape, some things must remain the same. Foundations... pillars... the bedrock principles that form our great society shall not be moved. We will still hold certain tenets to be true, and we will not forget what’s most important.

What are these values? What does Auburn football treasure the most?

RUNNING ALL OVER PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY CAN’T STOP IT.

ROLLED UP ZONE READS OVER POP PASSES.

CHECK-RAISING STUPID DEFENSIVE COORDINATORS.

If it worked for Denzel, and it worked for Auburn in the past, it’ll work now.

Look at these numbers —

• 2010 - 47 carries per game, 284.8 ypg, 6.1 ypc, 2.9 rushing TDs per game
• 2013 - 52 carries per game, 328.4 ypg, 6.3 ypc, 3.4 rushing TDs per game
• 2014 - 47 carries per game, 255.5 ypg, 5.5 ypc, 2.5 rushing TDs per game

What did those offenses have in common?

Cam Newton. Nick Marshall. In some eyes, the two best quarterbacks of this generation at Auburn. And what did they do well? They ran the dang ball.

Just like this guy.

Which other quarterback on Auburn’s roster will be able to take us back to the offensive attack that got Auburn to two national championship games? Yes, the quarterbacks were a large part of the reason that the Tigers were in Glendale and Pasadena, and the right signal-caller can thrive when he’s let loose in Gus Malzahn’s offense. With Willis’ skills in the run game, he only needs to be adequate at the passing game to make Auburn an effective offense. Cam Newton was highly effective through the air, but Marshall wasn’t going to beat you game in and game out with his arm.

Couple him with an effective back and things will turn out alright. Plus, he’s going to get to work with a new offensive coordinator that helped to construct an offense that ran for nearly 300 yards per game at Memphis! It’s time to get back to your roots. Simplify the offense, call the plays that work, and make the defense stop you. There’s only one combo that’ll get you there.

Willis/Whitlow 2019.

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Now, for our next speaker at the convention, we go to Drew McCracken!

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Hey Gus,

How ya doing?

Dude, totally get it. I would be exhausted and feel a little down after all those “Na, man, I’m good here” statements.

Well, while I have ya, can we talk about who should be the starting quarterback next fall? Cause it should be Malik Willis. SHH, SHH, SHH…it should be.

Sure, there are other candidates that have a whole lot of upside, but Gus… you have one shot here. If a redshirt or true freshman falter… See ya. If a former Minor League Baseball player can’t hack it… Bye Gus-licia.

So, let’s get into why I think Malik is the way to go for you. Remember the 2013 season…not just those 2 plays but the WHOLE season. I do. I remember sitting in Neyland Stadium and watching a mean Nick Marshall/Tre Mason combo do unspeakable things to Tennessee. Meanwhile a passable defense worked at will against an overmatched Tennessee offense.

Remember how much fun that was? Well let me just show you this…

Yeah… doesn’t that feel good? Now, let me pitch this to you.

Imagine Shaun Shivers as his zone read mate and Anthony Schwartz running the jet sweep on that nonsense. Oh and then lets pitch it out to Seth Williams if the corners want to crash in. THERE ARE SO MANY OPTIONS! AAAAAND YOU CAN KEEP THE SAME PERSONNEL ON THE FIELD TO GAIN AN ADVANTAGE OVER THE DEFENSE!! IT’S PERFECT!! Plus the added benefit of protecting an offensive line that returns next year but didn’t show it had any interest in becoming dominant.

Sure, his decision making isn’t as good as you would hope, but next year will be his Junior season. Is his arm fantastic? Perhaps not, but you have an entire spring to work on both of those elements with the brand new Quarterbacks Coach.

I get it, you wanted to prove that your offense could work with a pocket passer. And it did! You won the West last year and that was awesome! (Just agree with him folks… it will make it easier). But with that said, it’s time to switch it up again. You have one shot, Gus. Give it to the upperclassman that knows the offense and can lead you to victory.

Willis 2019.