Auburn is working on self-scouting and preparing for Georgia during its second bye week.
Before the bye, Auburn beat Ole Miss 20-14, increasing its record to 7-2. It played without its starting running back, Boobee Whitlow, as well as its starting defensive end Marlon Davidson and starting safety Jeremiah Dinson. With the break, Auburn is taking time to heal up in addition to preparing for the next game.
In his weekly appearance on the radio show “Tiger Talk,” hosted by Andy Burcham, Gus Malzahn spoke about how the team is doing during the bye week. It will be broadcast live on these affiliates and streamed online at AuburnTigers.com.
Below is a summary of what Malzahn said:
GUS MALZAHN:
-- He likes having two bye weeks. It couldn’t come at a better time. They went through some physical games and need to heal up. They also get to focus on their fundamentals and get in extra prep for Georgia.
-- This bye week is about the starters and the twos, not the young players like the first one was. They’ll focus on the young guys again once they get to bowl practices.
-- The best part of this bye has been the positive energy. They came into it after a win, so there’s been really good energy. That’s important moving forward. The players will also get a long weekend so they can refresh and come back with their A-game.
-- Davidson, Dinson and Whitlow all practiced, but they’re being smart with them. There’s a good chance they have all three against Georgia.
-- You look at the last three games big picture, but the bottom line is it’s about the next opponent. The bye gives you extra time to see stuff you might not otherwise see until late in a week of preparation.
-- If they had made a couple of the field goals against Ole Miss and didn’t fumble going in, that game looks different. They did well on first down and got in pace. They also had some big plays. Bo Nix probably played his best game. If you get over the fact they scored only 20 points on 500 yards, there were some good things that happened.
-- They’ve got some “super young men that represent Auburn... they’re all class people.” The seniors are excited about their last three games being at home, the chance to play in front of their own fans.
-- Will Hastings was a walk-on kicker that earned his way into being starter at wide receiver. “Just a super human being.”
-- Derrick Brown was one of the most highly-recruited high schoolers, and he “lived up to the billing.”
-- When you’re practicing for Georgia, you “just do the for sures.” When they get back Sunday, they need to be ready to go.
-- When you look at Georgia’s defense, they haven’t given up a rushing touchdown this season. They’re pressuring more than they have. Their offensive line is impressive and helps open stuff up. They’re really well rounded. They have as much talent as any other team in the league.
-- The bye week goes by at the same pace because you’re still in a routine. They go by pretty quick.