What Gus said about Outback Bowl loss

[aubiefifty 18,230]

What Gus Malzahn said about Outback Bowl loss

Updated 5:32 PM;Today 3:42 PM

9-11 minutes

Auburn was denied a rare 10-win season on Wednesday, falling to Minnesota, 31-24, in the Outback Bowl to open up 2020. The Tigers finished the year 9-4 overall.

Gus Malzahn met with the media after the game to review the loss and what went wrong for Auburn. Below is a full transcript of Malzahn’s remarks.

GUS MALZAHN

OPENING STATEMENT: "First of all, I think I need to start out by giving Minnesota and their head coach, P.J. Fleck, congratulations and credit. They’re a very good football team. We knew that before we played them. After you play somebody, you have more information.When you look at the game, we started out, I think we went up 10-0, had momentum, felt pretty good. I think we had a fumbled punt, they scored. It was tied at halftime.Of course, the second half, it was really a dogfight back and forth. Bottom line is they made plays. They made plays to win the game when the game was on the line. You have to give them credit.

You look at it, you have to give them credit. We didn’t overlook them. I think our guys were ready to play. I think our guys played hard. They made the plays we didn’t.Really appreciate our seniors. They just did an outstanding job their whole career. I’m disappointed for them that we couldn’t get them out with a victory.

They led us today, played extremely hard.When I look at the game, they did a really good job of keeping the ball away from us. They stayed on the field. I know the first half, offense didn’t have the ball very many plays. Of course, offense didn’t make very many first downs.When I look at the stat sheet, what stands out to me is 53 plays. They kept the ball, waited until the play clock had about five seconds or less on it. They shortened the game. They had an excellent game plan. They were able to execute.I look at us, the third downs, 3 of 11. We’ve been solid all year. 53 plays, you’re not going to beat very many people with that.But I got to give them credit. I’m very disappointed that we couldn’t send our seniors out. Bottom line is they outplayed us and out-coached us. They deserved to win today. That’s just really the facts of the matter.Questions.

Q. (On the balance of building for next year versus winning a bowl game.)

GUS MALZAHN: It’s not a hard balance. The bottom line is your goal is to win a bowl game. When you’re playing a team that won 10 games, you got to play well. We’re focused on winning. I mean, when you’re back home, you start getting the young guys. When you get here, you focus on winning the game.We used the same formula we did last year. Like I said, you got to give them guys credit. They’re a really good team.

Q. (On Minnesota’s domination in the running game.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah. 215 yards rushing against our defense, that surprised me. We only had 56. That surprised me, too. They got after us up front. I mean, I just think that’s the facts of the matter.

Q. (On the offense not developing a rhythm.)

GUS MALZAHN: I think that’s fair to say. I think the first quarter, I don’t know how many plays we had in the first quarter, I think we may have had six or seven. Somebody may have the stat sheet. It wasn’t very many.The second quarter, I don’t think we had much more than that. They did a good job of staying on the field, too. Like I said, the offense, we didn’t get very many first downs early to stay on the field. I think it was a combination of both. The volume of plays in the first half, it wasn’t very much for us.

Q. What was your plan on offense and did you want to take shots down the field?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, they played loose. I think everybody could see that. At the same time I think we called four or five or six shots. Couple of them we had a little protection breakdown. A couple of them we kind of under-threw, whatever.I mean, any time you put up 232 yards offense on 53 plays, I mean, we got to do better than that. But give them credit. They had a good plan. They did a good job of trying to keep things in front, stayed away from the big play.

Q. (On what Minnesota did to stop them on offense.)

GUS MALZAHN: There was a few little wrinkles. It was more of lining up and getting after us more than anything. Just the fact of the matter.

Q. (On Minnesota double-teaming Derrick Brown.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, Derrick Brown got double-teamed all year and tripled. He’s a dynamic player. He’s one of the best players in all of college football. That’s what smart coaches do. I’m sure that happened again today.

Q. (On the decision to try a fake punt.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I liked it. It wasn’t really open, but the guy had his arms around the guy when the ball is in the air. I don’t know. They didn’t call it. That’s just part of it.Yeah, I mean, we’re trying to win the game. We’re going to be aggressive. That didn’t work out. If I remember right, I don’t think they scored. I think we held them on fourth down as far as that goes.We’re trying to be aggressive and win the game. It could have been easily called an interference, too. We would have had a first down in field goal range.

Q. (On Outback Bowl MVP Tyler Johnson and how he compares to receivers in the SEC.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, he’s a good player. Not just him, I mean, they’re a good team. They got good players. We knew that coming in. They won 10 games in their conference. Their coaches had a super game plan. They executed it. They were a physical team, too.

Q. How hard do you look at the offense in the off-season? What do you have to do in the off-season?

GUS MALZAHN: Two-year trend?

Q. Yes.

GUS MALZAHN: You’re talking about this year?

Q. Yes.

GUS MALZAHN: I’d say this year I think we finished, if I remember right, third in our conference in total offense, fourth in points. It was solid.This game we’re disappointed, and we should be. But we’ll rebound. Chad Morris, I’m very excited about him and his future. I feel like he’s one of the best. Like I said, after this bowl game, we’ll put our heads together. He’s going to have great influence.We’ll get better. We didn’t play our best. Like I said, you have 53 plays you’re not going to be very good.I will say this. This year I felt like we did some good things offensively. I don’t think that’s accurate as far as the total assumption of this year.

Q. (On Auburn struggling to find a rhythm on offense.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, we got in some rhythm some, but then we’d have a negative play. Bottom line, our third downs, like I said, we were 3 of 11. When you don’t convert third downs, everything is out of rhythm. That had a lot to do with it today.We had a couple opportunities on third downs that I would have liked us to have executed better. I think we would have picked it up. We didn’t get it done on third down, so it took away the rhythm, and it caused us to have 53 plays on offense.

Q. (On first down play calling.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I don’t know what it was, but I think we mixed it up decent on first down. Yeah, I mean, when you have negative plays, you definitely want to stay out of that, whatever gives yourself a chance to be successful.

Q. On Tyler Johnson’s 73-yard touchdown, what did you see?

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I think they had a little post. I think we kind of messed up on one of our coverages there. The guy came Scot free. Quarterback put it out in front. They were able to run the football effectively, too. When you do that, their RPO game, play-action, is more effective.I think the big one was late in the game. They were running the ball decent. They got us over the top. Executed that play. That was the difference in the game.

Q. (On how you evaluate the season.)

GUS MALZAHN: 9-4 with the schedule we played, obviously if we won this game, I would feel completely different. There were some good things we did. We did play the toughest schedule in college football. Me personally, I don’t think it’s close.I’m proud of our players, I’m proud of our seniors. But, I mean, we’re disappointed right now. But there were some really good things that happened during the season that we can build upon, have a chance to be a really good football team next year.

Q. How much will this season help quarterback Bo Nix?

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, Bo, he’s going to win a championship for us before he gets out of here. Went up against the toughest schedule in football as a true freshman. He learned. He’s going to be a great quarterback for us. More than that, I think he’s going to be a great leader for us. Those are my expectations. I’m glad he’s our quarterback. He’ll have a very good clear.

Q. New Year’s resolutions?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, I’m thinking about right now. I’m just disappointed. We’ll be able to take it, kind of evaluate as coaches, look at the whole year. I said there were some good things that happened. We’ll turn the page for next year. I’ve not gotten that far.

Q. Do you expect your entire staff to return?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, I expect. You never know, but I expect.

Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

[Farmer Brown 2,461]

11 minutes ago, aubiefifty said:

What Gus Malzahn said about Outback Bowl loss

Updated 5:32 PM;Today 3:42 PM

9-11 minutes

Auburn was denied a rare 10-win season on Wednesday, falling to Minnesota, 31-24, in the Outback Bowl to open up 2020. The Tigers finished the year 9-4 overall.

Gus Malzahn met with the media after the game to review the loss and what went wrong for Auburn. Below is a full transcript of Malzahn’s remarks.

GUS MALZAHN

OPENING STATEMENT: "First of all, I think I need to start out by giving Minnesota and their head coach, P.J. Fleck, congratulations and credit. They’re a very good football team. We knew that before we played them. After you play somebody, you have more information.When you look at the game, we started out, I think we went up 10-0, had momentum, felt pretty good. I think we had a fumbled punt, they scored. It was tied at halftime.Of course, the second half, it was really a dogfight back and forth. Bottom line is they made plays. They made plays to win the game when the game was on the line. You have to give them credit.

You look at it, you have to give them credit. We didn’t overlook them. I think our guys were ready to play. I think our guys played hard. They made the plays we didn’t.Really appreciate our seniors. They just did an outstanding job their whole career. I’m disappointed for them that we couldn’t get them out with a victory.

They led us today, played extremely hard.When I look at the game, they did a really good job of keeping the ball away from us. They stayed on the field. I know the first half, offense didn’t have the ball very many plays. Of course, offense didn’t make very many first downs.When I look at the stat sheet, what stands out to me is 53 plays. They kept the ball, waited until the play clock had about five seconds or less on it. They shortened the game. They had an excellent game plan. They were able to execute.I look at us, the third downs, 3 of 11. We’ve been solid all year. 53 plays, you’re not going to beat very many people with that.But I got to give them credit. I’m very disappointed that we couldn’t send our seniors out. Bottom line is they outplayed us and out-coached us. They deserved to win today. That’s just really the facts of the matter.Questions.

Q. (On the balance of building for next year versus winning a bowl game.)

GUS MALZAHN: It’s not a hard balance. The bottom line is your goal is to win a bowl game. When you’re playing a team that won 10 games, you got to play well. We’re focused on winning. I mean, when you’re back home, you start getting the young guys. When you get here, you focus on winning the game.We used the same formula we did last year. Like I said, you got to give them guys credit. They’re a really good team.

Q. (On Minnesota’s domination in the running game.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah. 215 yards rushing against our defense, that surprised me. We only had 56. That surprised me, too. They got after us up front. I mean, I just think that’s the facts of the matter.

Q. (On the offense not developing a rhythm.)

GUS MALZAHN: I think that’s fair to say. I think the first quarter, I don’t know how many plays we had in the first quarter, I think we may have had six or seven. Somebody may have the stat sheet. It wasn’t very many.The second quarter, I don’t think we had much more than that. They did a good job of staying on the field, too. Like I said, the offense, we didn’t get very many first downs early to stay on the field. I think it was a combination of both. The volume of plays in the first half, it wasn’t very much for us.

Q. What was your plan on offense and did you want to take shots down the field?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, they played loose. I think everybody could see that. At the same time I think we called four or five or six shots. Couple of them we had a little protection breakdown. A couple of them we kind of under-threw, whatever.I mean, any time you put up 232 yards offense on 53 plays, I mean, we got to do better than that. But give them credit. They had a good plan. They did a good job of trying to keep things in front, stayed away from the big play.

Q. (On what Minnesota did to stop them on offense.)

GUS MALZAHN: There was a few little wrinkles. It was more of lining up and getting after us more than anything. Just the fact of the matter.

Q. (On Minnesota double-teaming Derrick Brown.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, Derrick Brown got double-teamed all year and tripled. He’s a dynamic player. He’s one of the best players in all of college football. That’s what smart coaches do. I’m sure that happened again today.

Q. (On the decision to try a fake punt.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I liked it. It wasn’t really open, but the guy had his arms around the guy when the ball is in the air. I don’t know. They didn’t call it. That’s just part of it.Yeah, I mean, we’re trying to win the game. We’re going to be aggressive. That didn’t work out. If I remember right, I don’t think they scored. I think we held them on fourth down as far as that goes.We’re trying to be aggressive and win the game. It could have been easily called an interference, too. We would have had a first down in field goal range.

Q. (On Outback Bowl MVP Tyler Johnson and how he compares to receivers in the SEC.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, he’s a good player. Not just him, I mean, they’re a good team. They got good players. We knew that coming in. They won 10 games in their conference. Their coaches had a super game plan. They executed it. They were a physical team, too.

Q. How hard do you look at the offense in the off-season? What do you have to do in the off-season?

GUS MALZAHN: Two-year trend?

Q. Yes.

GUS MALZAHN: You’re talking about this year?

Q. Yes.

GUS MALZAHN: I’d say this year I think we finished, if I remember right, third in our conference in total offense, fourth in points. It was solid.This game we’re disappointed, and we should be. But we’ll rebound. Chad Morris, I’m very excited about him and his future. I feel like he’s one of the best. Like I said, after this bowl game, we’ll put our heads together. He’s going to have great influence.We’ll get better. We didn’t play our best. Like I said, you have 53 plays you’re not going to be very good.I will say this. This year I felt like we did some good things offensively. I don’t think that’s accurate as far as the total assumption of this year.

Q. (On Auburn struggling to find a rhythm on offense.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, we got in some rhythm some, but then we’d have a negative play. Bottom line, our third downs, like I said, we were 3 of 11. When you don’t convert third downs, everything is out of rhythm. That had a lot to do with it today.We had a couple opportunities on third downs that I would have liked us to have executed better. I think we would have picked it up. We didn’t get it done on third down, so it took away the rhythm, and it caused us to have 53 plays on offense.

Q. (On first down play calling.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I don’t know what it was, but I think we mixed it up decent on first down. Yeah, I mean, when you have negative plays, you definitely want to stay out of that, whatever gives yourself a chance to be successful.

Q. On Tyler Johnson’s 73-yard touchdown, what did you see?

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I think they had a little post. I think we kind of messed up on one of our coverages there. The guy came Scot free. Quarterback put it out in front. They were able to run the football effectively, too. When you do that, their RPO game, play-action, is more effective.I think the big one was late in the game. They were running the ball decent. They got us over the top. Executed that play. That was the difference in the game.

Q. (On how you evaluate the season.)

GUS MALZAHN: 9-4 with the schedule we played, obviously if we won this game, I would feel completely different. There were some good things we did. We did play the toughest schedule in college football. Me personally, I don’t think it’s close.I’m proud of our players, I’m proud of our seniors. But, I mean, we’re disappointed right now. But there were some really good things that happened during the season that we can build upon, have a chance to be a really good football team next year.

Q. How much will this season help quarterback Bo Nix?

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, Bo, he’s going to win a championship for us before he gets out of here. Went up against the toughest schedule in football as a true freshman. He learned. He’s going to be a great quarterback for us. More than that, I think he’s going to be a great leader for us. Those are my expectations. I’m glad he’s our quarterback. He’ll have a very good clear.

Q. New Year’s resolutions?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, I’m thinking about right now. I’m just disappointed. We’ll be able to take it, kind of evaluate as coaches, look at the whole year. I said there were some good things that happened. We’ll turn the page for next year. I’ve not gotten that far.

Q. Do you expect your entire staff to return?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, I expect. You never know, but I expect.

Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

By Leada Gore | lgore@al.com

Welcome 2020!

Jan. 1, 2020 is New Year’s Day and it’s a holiday for most people.

While almost all government offices are closed, many stores and restaurants are open, though some may be operating on a shortened schedule. It’s always a good idea to check ahead to ensure local hours.

Here’s a look at what’s open, what’s closed on New Year’s Day 2020:

U.S. Post Office – Closed. Mail will not run. UPS and Fed Ex closed.

 

Stock Markets – Closed

Banks – Closed

ABC Stores – Closed

City of Birmingham offices – Closed

Jefferson County offices - Closed

City of Huntsville offices – Closed

Madison County offices – Closed

City of Mobile – Closed

Mobile County offices – Closed

Starbucks Open New Year’s Day (hours vary).

Grocery stores and drug stores

Aldi – Closed

Costco – Closed

CVS – Open regular hours

Kroger - Open.

Publix – Open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. New Year’s Day

Trader Joe’s – Closed

Walgreens – Open regular hours

Whole Foods – Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. New Year’s Day

Department stores

Best Buy – Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on New Year’s Day

Kohl’s – Open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on New Year’s Day

Target – Open 8 a.m.-11 p.m. on New Year’s Day

Walmart – Open regular hours New Year’s Day.

Store and pharmacy hours can vary, always check with you favorite location.

[yngwie1995 2,363]

11 minutes ago, aubiefifty said:

What Gus Malzahn said about Outback Bowl loss

....

GUS MALZAHN

OPENING STATEMENT: "First of all, I think I need to start out by giving Minnesota and their head coach, P.J. Fleck, congratulations and credit. They’re a very good football team. We knew that before we played them. After you play somebody, you have more information.When you look at the game, we started out, I think we went up 10-0, had momentum, felt pretty good. I think we had a fumbled punt, they scored. It was tied at halftime. Of course, the second half, it was really a dogfight back and forth. Bottom line is they made plays. They made plays to win the game when the game was on the line. You have to give them credit.

....

Nope and nope. I mean, maybe I'm nitpicking here, but shouldn't the head coach know these details? 

[AUsince72 11,084]

The least he could do is break out a Karl Childers or Ed Orgeron voice to make the useless droning entertaining...  

[jluvah 702]

The man is an idiot. Says the SAME DAMN THING at the end of EVERY YEAR!!!!!! Wish I could get paid megabucks for being mediocre at my job!!

[aubiefifty 18,230]

14 minutes ago, yngwie1995 said:

Nope and nope. I mean, maybe I'm nitpicking here, but shouldn't the head coach know these details? 

you know brown said the coaches had them ready and they just did not deliver right? maybe i am missing what you are saying?

[Eagle-1 3,821]

In other words, I don't have a damn clue, but the future is bright. No doubt.

[AURealist 2,194]

What a disturbing press conference.   

I can't believe my school is paying this idiot millions to suck this bad.  

[aubiefifty 18,230]

23 minutes ago, Farmer Brown said:

By Leada Gore | lgore@al.com

Welcome 2020!

Jan. 1, 2020 is New Year’s Day and it’s a holiday for most people.

While almost all government offices are closed, many stores and restaurants are open, though some may be operating on a shortened schedule. It’s always a good idea to check ahead to ensure local hours.

Here’s a look at what’s open, what’s closed on New Year’s Day 2020:

U.S. Post Office – Closed. Mail will not run. UPS and Fed Ex closed.

 

Stock Markets – Closed

Banks – Closed

ABC Stores – Closed

City of Birmingham offices – Closed

Jefferson County offices - Closed

City of Huntsville offices – Closed

Madison County offices – Closed

City of Mobile – Closed

Mobile County offices – Closed

Starbucks Open New Year’s Day (hours vary).

Grocery stores and drug stores

Aldi – Closed

Costco – Closed

CVS – Open regular hours

Kroger - Open.

Publix – Open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. New Year’s Day

Trader Joe’s – Closed

Walgreens – Open regular hours

Whole Foods – Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. New Year’s Day

Department stores

Best Buy – Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on New Year’s Day

Kohl’s – Open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on New Year’s Day

Target – Open 8 a.m.-11 p.m. on New Year’s Day

Walmart – Open regular hours New Year’s Day.

Store and pharmacy hours can vary, always check with you favorite location.

by the way you know you can get banned for spamming the board right? but dunna let me stop you. i love you care enough about me to go to all these lengths to show me. i just want you to be careful..............

[yngwie1995 2,363]

3 minutes ago, aubiefifty said:

you know brown said the coaches had them ready and they just did not deliver right? maybe i am missing what you are saying?

I bolded the parts that I was referring to. We never led 10-0, and it wasn't tied at the half. 

[aubaseball 2,819]

1 hour ago, aubiefifty said:

What Gus Malzahn said about Outback Bowl loss

Updated 5:32 PM;Today 3:42 PM

9-11 minutes

Auburn was denied a rare 10-win season on Wednesday, falling to Minnesota, 31-24, in the Outback Bowl to open up 2020. The Tigers finished the year 9-4 overall.

Gus Malzahn met with the media after the game to review the loss and what went wrong for Auburn. Below is a full transcript of Malzahn’s remarks.

GUS MALZAHN

OPENING STATEMENT: "First of all, I think I need to start out by giving Minnesota and their head coach, P.J. Fleck, congratulations and credit. They’re a very good football team. We knew that before we played them. After you play somebody, you have more information.When you look at the game, we started out, I think we went up 10-0, had momentum, felt pretty good. I think we had a fumbled punt, they scored. It was tied at halftime.Of course, the second half, it was really a dogfight back and forth. Bottom line is they made plays. They made plays to win the game when the game was on the line. You have to give them credit.

You look at it, you have to give them credit. We didn’t overlook them. I think our guys were ready to play. I think our guys played hard. They made the plays we didn’t.Really appreciate our seniors. They just did an outstanding job their whole career. I’m disappointed for them that we couldn’t get them out with a victory.

They led us today, played extremely hard.When I look at the game, they did a really good job of keeping the ball away from us. They stayed on the field. I know the first half, offense didn’t have the ball very many plays. Of course, offense didn’t make very many first downs.When I look at the stat sheet, what stands out to me is 53 plays. They kept the ball, waited until the play clock had about five seconds or less on it. They shortened the game. They had an excellent game plan. They were able to execute.I look at us, the third downs, 3 of 11. We’ve been solid all year. 53 plays, you’re not going to beat very many people with that.But I got to give them credit. I’m very disappointed that we couldn’t send our seniors out. Bottom line is they outplayed us and out-coached us. They deserved to win today. That’s just really the facts of the matter.Questions.

Q. (On the balance of building for next year versus winning a bowl game.)

GUS MALZAHN: It’s not a hard balance. The bottom line is your goal is to win a bowl game. When you’re playing a team that won 10 games, you got to play well. We’re focused on winning. I mean, when you’re back home, you start getting the young guys. When you get here, you focus on winning the game.We used the same formula we did last year. Like I said, you got to give them guys credit. They’re a really good team.

Q. (On Minnesota’s domination in the running game.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah. 215 yards rushing against our defense, that surprised me. We only had 56. That surprised me, too. They got after us up front. I mean, I just think that’s the facts of the matter.

Q. (On the offense not developing a rhythm.)

GUS MALZAHN: I think that’s fair to say. I think the first quarter, I don’t know how many plays we had in the first quarter, I think we may have had six or seven. Somebody may have the stat sheet. It wasn’t very many.The second quarter, I don’t think we had much more than that. They did a good job of staying on the field, too. Like I said, the offense, we didn’t get very many first downs early to stay on the field. I think it was a combination of both. The volume of plays in the first half, it wasn’t very much for us.

Q. What was your plan on offense and did you want to take shots down the field?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, they played loose. I think everybody could see that. At the same time I think we called four or five or six shots. Couple of them we had a little protection breakdown. A couple of them we kind of under-threw, whatever.I mean, any time you put up 232 yards offense on 53 plays, I mean, we got to do better than that. But give them credit. They had a good plan. They did a good job of trying to keep things in front, stayed away from the big play.

Q. (On what Minnesota did to stop them on offense.)

GUS MALZAHN: There was a few little wrinkles. It was more of lining up and getting after us more than anything. Just the fact of the matter.

Q. (On Minnesota double-teaming Derrick Brown.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, Derrick Brown got double-teamed all year and tripled. He’s a dynamic player. He’s one of the best players in all of college football. That’s what smart coaches do. I’m sure that happened again today.

Q. (On the decision to try a fake punt.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I liked it. It wasn’t really open, but the guy had his arms around the guy when the ball is in the air. I don’t know. They didn’t call it. That’s just part of it.Yeah, I mean, we’re trying to win the game. We’re going to be aggressive. That didn’t work out. If I remember right, I don’t think they scored. I think we held them on fourth down as far as that goes.We’re trying to be aggressive and win the game. It could have been easily called an interference, too. We would have had a first down in field goal range.

Q. (On Outback Bowl MVP Tyler Johnson and how he compares to receivers in the SEC.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, he’s a good player. Not just him, I mean, they’re a good team. They got good players. We knew that coming in. They won 10 games in their conference. Their coaches had a super game plan. They executed it. They were a physical team, too.

Q. How hard do you look at the offense in the off-season? What do you have to do in the off-season?

GUS MALZAHN: Two-year trend?

Q. Yes.

GUS MALZAHN: You’re talking about this year?

Q. Yes.

GUS MALZAHN: I’d say this year I think we finished, if I remember right, third in our conference in total offense, fourth in points. It was solid.This game we’re disappointed, and we should be. But we’ll rebound. Chad Morris, I’m very excited about him and his future. I feel like he’s one of the best. Like I said, after this bowl game, we’ll put our heads together. He’s going to have great influence.We’ll get better. We didn’t play our best. Like I said, you have 53 plays you’re not going to be very good.I will say this. This year I felt like we did some good things offensively. I don’t think that’s accurate as far as the total assumption of this year.

Q. (On Auburn struggling to find a rhythm on offense.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, we got in some rhythm some, but then we’d have a negative play. Bottom line, our third downs, like I said, we were 3 of 11. When you don’t convert third downs, everything is out of rhythm. That had a lot to do with it today.We had a couple opportunities on third downs that I would have liked us to have executed better. I think we would have picked it up. We didn’t get it done on third down, so it took away the rhythm, and it caused us to have 53 plays on offense.

Q. (On first down play calling.)

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I don’t know what it was, but I think we mixed it up decent on first down. Yeah, I mean, when you have negative plays, you definitely want to stay out of that, whatever gives yourself a chance to be successful.

Q. On Tyler Johnson’s 73-yard touchdown, what did you see?

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I think they had a little post. I think we kind of messed up on one of our coverages there. The guy came Scot free. Quarterback put it out in front. They were able to run the football effectively, too. When you do that, their RPO game, play-action, is more effective.I think the big one was late in the game. They were running the ball decent. They got us over the top. Executed that play. That was the difference in the game.

Q. (On how you evaluate the season.)

GUS MALZAHN: 9-4 with the schedule we played, obviously if we won this game, I would feel completely different. There were some good things we did. We did play the toughest schedule in college football. Me personally, I don’t think it’s close.I’m proud of our players, I’m proud of our seniors. But, I mean, we’re disappointed right now. But there were some really good things that happened during the season that we can build upon, have a chance to be a really good football team next year.

Q. How much will this season help quarterback Bo Nix?

GUS MALZAHN: Yeah, I mean, Bo, he’s going to win a championship for us before he gets out of here. Went up against the toughest schedule in football as a true freshman. He learned. He’s going to be a great quarterback for us. More than that, I think he’s going to be a great leader for us. Those are my expectations. I’m glad he’s our quarterback. He’ll have a very good clear.

Q. New Year’s resolutions?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, I’m thinking about right now. I’m just disappointed. We’ll be able to take it, kind of evaluate as coaches, look at the whole year. I said there were some good things that happened. We’ll turn the page for next year. I’ve not gotten that far.

Q. Do you expect your entire staff to return?

GUS MALZAHN: I mean, I expect. You never know, but I expect.

Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

Sounds like a bumbling fool

[ArmchairAthlete7 21]

42 minutes ago, aubiefifty said:

you know brown said the coaches had them ready and they just did not deliver right? maybe i am missing what you are saying?

He’s saying it’s ridiculous that a coach can’t remember basic aspects of a game, like the score.

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

Let me try to explain this in the best fashion I know. The one thing all successful  coaches have in common. Strong motivational skills. They may do it different but the all do it well their way. Saben uses the business approach. He convinces then that it’s in their best interest to do well. Dabo does it in a fun way. He gets them to give their all for him cause they like him. Dye would make you feel like a heel for letting your team down if you failed on your part. Bear would make you pay dearly for any mistake . That’s what’s missing in Gus. He can’t motivate his players. He thinks he can give them a miracle play or two and there is just know way for them to lose. But Gus doesn’t carry the football, or kick it or block or tackle. The players do that and until Gus realizes he has to be responsible for motivating his players then he will continue to have these game against better motivated players. Not one game we have lost since Gus has been here has been lost other than lack of motivation by Gus. It happened again today. Good teams usually have good motivational coaches. When it’s 4th and one they will make it on offense or stop it On defense. Not because they are bigger or better but because they are more determined because they have been motivated. Think back and remember those half time talks of great games. That was talks by winners. Gis cant have those talks. He doesn’t know how. He thinks you just draw up the magic play and everybody do their job and the result will be good. But if that guy blocks with half a block and that defender is motivated and determined he will get by the block and make the tackle . What you saw today on the Auburn side lines was an unmotivated team being whipped by a less talented but much more determined team. Remember Minnesota had 4 , 4 star recruits in that team. The rest were 3,2, and one stars. Let that soak in. 4 four star recruits no 5 star recruits. 

[aubiefifty 18,230]

4 minutes ago, ArmchairAthlete7 said:

He’s saying it’s ridiculous that a coach can’t remember basic aspects of a game, like the score.

yes he came back and explained to me what is was. but thanx......

[ToraGirl 5,498]

50 minutes ago, Eagle Eye 7 said:

Let me try to explain this in the best fashion I know. The one thing all successful  coaches have in common. Strong motivational skills. They may do it different but the all do it well their way. Saben uses the business approach. He convinces then that it’s in their best interest to do well. Dabo does it in a fun way. He gets them to give their all for him cause they like him. Dye would make you feel like a heel for letting your team down if you failed on your part. Bear would make you pay dearly for any mistake . That’s what’s missing in Gus. He can’t motivate his players. He thinks he can give them a miracle play or two and there is just know way for them to lose. But Gus doesn’t carry the football, or kick it or block or tackle. The players do that and until Gus realizes he has to be responsible for motivating his players then he will continue to have these game against better motivated players. Not one game we have lost since Gus has been here has been lost other than lack of motivation by Gus. It happened again today. Good teams usually have good motivational coaches. When it’s 4th and one they will make it on offense or stop it On defense. Not because they are bigger or better but because they are more determined because they have been motivated. Think back and remember those half time talks of great games. That was talks by winners. Gis cant have those talks. He doesn’t know how. He thinks you just draw up the magic play and everybody do their job and the result will be good. But if that guy blocks with half a block and that defender is motivated and determined he will get by the block and make the tackle . What you saw today on the Auburn side lines was an unmotivated team being whipped by a less talented but much more determined team. Remember Minnesota had 4 , 4 star recruits in that team. The rest were 3,2, and one stars. Let that soak in. 4 four star recruits no 5 star recruits. 

And...if there is ONE thing Coach Fleck is absolutely known for, it's motivation. Motivation can make talent take a backseat quickly. He capitalized on the other "big mo"...momentum...today as well. CGM was outperformed on IQ AND EQ today. 

[all4AU 384]

1 hour ago, Eagle Eye 7 said:

Let me try to explain this in the best fashion I know. The one thing all successful  coaches have in common. Strong motivational skills. They may do it different but the all do it well their way. Saben uses the business approach. He convinces then that it’s in their best interest to do well. Dabo does it in a fun way. He gets them to give their all for him cause they like him. Dye would make you feel like a heel for letting your team down if you failed on your part. Bear would make you pay dearly for any mistake . That’s what’s missing in Gus. He can’t motivate his players. He thinks he can give them a miracle play or two and there is just know way for them to lose. But Gus doesn’t carry the football, or kick it or block or tackle. The players do that and until Gus realizes he has to be responsible for motivating his players then he will continue to have these game against better motivated players. Not one game we have lost since Gus has been here has been lost other than lack of motivation by Gus. It happened again today. Good teams usually have good motivational coaches. When it’s 4th and one they will make it on offense or stop it On defense. Not because they are bigger or better but because they are more determined because they have been motivated. Think back and remember those half time talks of great games. That was talks by winners. Gis cant have those talks. He doesn’t know how. He thinks you just draw up the magic play and everybody do their job and the result will be good. But if that guy blocks with half a block and that defender is motivated and determined he will get by the block and make the tackle . What you saw today on the Auburn side lines was an unmotivated team being whipped by a less talented but much more determined team. Remember Minnesota had 4 , 4 star recruits in that team. The rest were 3,2, and one stars. Let that soak in. 4 four star recruits no 5 star recruits. 

I agree completely. He does motivate the players against Bama, but doesn’t put the same emphasis on the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry (even look back at years like 2014.... the emphasis was clearly on the IB and not DSOR). 
 

Same things with these bowl games, the robotic coach speak about a “business trip,” “ten win season,” and “we played the toughest schedule in the country” is so old. I’m tired of hearing it, and we clearly haven’t done well in bowls under Gus. 

[cole256 17,085]

He was horribly out coached this game

[AUBwins 10,267]

11 minutes ago, cole256 said:

He was horribly out coached this game

Yep, it was a nice audition game for Fleck.

[ToraGirl 5,498]

25 minutes ago, AUBwins said:

Yep, it was a nice audition game for Fleck.

No more reactions, but no less love. Yassssssss! I will approve this message for @GwillMac6. 🙌😉😁

[JBiGGiE 2,488]

1 hour ago, AUBwins said:

Yep, it was a nice audition game for Fleck.

[AU80cruiser 1,102]

6 hours ago, yngwie1995 said:

I bolded the parts that I was referring to. We never led 10-0, and it wasn't tied at the half. 

I mean really? How does a coach not remember we were down 7 at halftime, wtf? Seems that would come up a time or two when they were getting their butts chewed. The man is an idiot.

[Notjeffco 13]

After watching another season come and go, I have to ask why Gus can get his team so motivated and coach his tail off against Bama. And then rarely do so against the other big games. And even though this was as some like to say a meaningless exhibition game it was important to end the season on a high note. If the game wasn't important then just stay home during the holidays and be with your family. 

But hey we beat Bama so Gus is safe for a couple of years.

[atl-tiger 655]

"What was your plan on offense?"

Completely side steps question. 

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

12 hours ago, all4AU said:

I agree completely. He does motivate the players against Bama, but doesn’t put the same emphasis on the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry (even look back at years like 2014.... the emphasis was clearly on the IB and not DSOR). 
 

Same things with these bowl games, the robotic coach speak about a “business trip,” “ten win season,” and “we played the toughest schedule in the country” is so old. I’m tired of hearing it, and we clearly haven’t done well in bowls under Gus. 

I don’t think he motivates the players against Alabama either. I think the Alabama/Auburn rivalry has always motivated fans and players alike. I think that’s why they play better against Uat at least until the bottom falls out on them and they need an outside source to motivate them. That’s why when we lose to uat it’s usually a significant lose score wise.

again I think Gus as a person and a coach just doesn’t have it in him to motivate anyone. 

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

13 hours ago, ToraGirl said:

And...if there is ONE thing Coach Fleck is absolutely known for, it's motivation. Motivation can make talent take a backseat quickly. He capitalized on the other "big mo"...momentum...today as well. CGM was outperformed on IQ AND EQ today. 

Exactly and Tubby  was a good example. He could take a team of three stars and beat Gus with a team of five stars every day of the week.