Q&A with WarBlogle.com
Over the past few years we’ve gone back and forth with WarBlogle.com for some questions and answer sessions to help better understand the current state of the Auburn Tigers football team and also to exchange jabs.
Here is our Q&A:
1. What is your diagnosis as to why Auburn has played well below expectations the last two weeks?
"Despite having some experience on the lines, there was lots of “new-ness” coming into this season. Jeremy Johnson has all the talent in the world, but there’s been something off mentally since throwing three picks in the first game. The defense has had flashes, but the best players can’t seem to say healthy. Adversity is all I can say."
2. What are the strengths of Auburn’s team right now?
"The running game is a Malzahn running game when it get’s going, but it hasn’t really been getting going. The kickers have been really, really good so far, though."
3. What are the weaknesses of Auburn’s team right now?
"The passing game has been almost non-existant. Jeremy is/was either throwing it to the other team or behind his own receivers. The defensive line, after Carl Lawson went down has had almost no pass rush, which was the main problem of the unit last season."
4. Will Carl Lawson play this week? If so, how much of an impact will he make?
"He will not play. He’ll be out until at least late October."
5. 171 rushing ypg seems really low for a Malzahn offense. What do you attribute this to?
"Lack of passing game, and lack of respect for the zone read. Defenses have known that Jeremy wasn’t going to keep it, so they’ve loaded up on the running back."
6. Its a night game but with the light from that giant video board do you think it will play as a day game?
"Honestly, it could probably the light stadium enough to play a game on its own. I know people have made fun of Auburn’s excitement over the board, but the pictures really do not do it justice. It’s beautiful, massive, and right on top of you."
7. Who is better in your opinion, Dak Prescott or Jeremy Johnson?
"In terms of potential…? Yeah…"
8. How is Will Muschamp working out?
"I feel like Florida’s firing of Muschamp has humbled him a little bit because we haven’t seen one bit of him blowing up on the sideline, and there have been plenty of situations for him to blow up. I think he’s still getting used to not being the head guy. It’s a work in progress. They do seem to be tackling better, but it’s the ultimate bend-but-don’t-break defense."
9. Do you remember when Auburn was ranked #2 in the nation and MSU beat them?
"I do remember Auburn mounting a comeback only to have it taken away by ridiculously awful calls."
10. Auburn’s last three head coaches were all fired no more than five years after undefeated seasons. Considering Gus Malzahn is in year three without one, how many wins does he need this year to save his job?
"1 game."