Q & A with Fly War Eagle
Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn congratulates his players after LSU turned the ball over on downs during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Our sister site on the FanSided Network, Fly War Eagle, answered some questions for us about Auburn.
1. How has your perception of this game changed as MSU has vaulted up the rankings from unranked just three weeks ago to #3 for this game while Auburn has been in the top 5 all year?
"I’ve always seen this as a very dangerous game for Auburn. At Fly War Eagle, we had State ranked 4th in the SEC West in our pre-season projections behind Alabama, Auburn and Ole Miss, so the Bulldogs have been on our radar for a while and the 5-0 start is not all that surprising.That said, it has been incredible to see how high Mississippi State has climbed and how quickly they’ve done it. I don’t think anyone would have expected this to be a top ten matchup, let alone a top three showdown. So by that measure, the sheer magnitude of the game is surprising. It’s one of the biggest games we’ll see all year in college football."
2. Auburn has gone from 87th in total defense last year to 14th so far this year. What has been the biggest difference in that side of the ball?
"Some of it has to do with being this being the second year in defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson’s system and the fact the unit is executing their assignments better this year compared to last, and some of it is that Auburn is playing much more physical this season. Through the first five games, we’ve probably already seen more hits that have made the crowd “ooh” and “ah” than we did all last season."
3. How would you compare Nick Marshall’s game this year to last year?
"It’s been pretty similar actually. Marshall got off to a slow start at Auburn because the offense struggled to find its identity early in the 2013 season. He threw the ball 34 times against MSU last year and had 33 attempts against LSU the next week. However, during a bye week, the coaches retooled things and put an emphasis on the rushing attack, and things obviously worked out very well.Over the off-season, there was a lot of talk about being more balanced on offense in 2014 and passing more. Personally, I think the coaching staff has been forcing things a little like they did early last year. Marshall has improved his mechanics, is a better passer than he was last year, and has more talent at wide receiver this season, but I still think he’s at his best (as is the Auburn offense) when he’s on the move."
4. What area do you feel Auburn may have a weakness vs. Mississippi State?
"My first thought is the offensive line. After staying remarkably healthy last season, the Auburn O-Line has been banged up all year in 2014. Alex Kozan went down with an injury this summer, and Patrick Miller missed last week’s game against LSU after hurting his foot against LA Tech. With a first-time lineup last week, the line played really well against LSU, however, Mississippi State has one of, if not the best defensive line in the SEC, and Auburn will have their hands full all day."
5. What area do you feel Mississippi State will have trouble with Auburn?
"I feel Mississippi State matches up pretty well with Auburn overall. State has playmakers on both sides of the ball, and has played really well along both the offensive and defensive lines. However, the biggest edge Auburn has is in the kicking game.Daniel Carlson, who punts, kicks and kicks off most of the time, just earned the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week Award, and punt returner Quan Bray has won the award twice this season. Plus, kick returner Corey Grant can take it to the house any time he touches the ball. If the Tigers can get a big play on special teams, I really like Auburn’s chances."