Gus talking in the TV room...
@CoachGusMalzahn mentions hiring of Will Muschamp. On "count on me" - they've really bought in."
Question No. 2 to Gus is about returning missed field goals. Says it's something he's always practiced. Only thinks about Kick 6 when asked.
Gus on Jeremy running: "excellent runner. Big, fast. Did it a lot in high school. We'll ask him to do that this year."
Gus: "we'll build our offense around QBs strengths."
Gus says Roc Thomas has gotten bigger & stronger. In 3-man battle with Robinson and Barber.
On losing bowl game: have to learn from that and not make the same mistakes.
Gus says Muschamp has edge and confidence that inspires players.
Gus: on new video board. "It's big. It's real big." Says it might take a while to get used to. Likes to watch replays.
Gus on Duke: "he's open when he's covered." Attacks the football. Might be able move him around more b/c of experience.
Was gone for lunch during Gus's time at the podium. Here's the al.com review of his comments.
-- "Our theme this year is 'count on me,'" says Gus Malzahn. That's a motto that started in the spring.
-- "Another positive is we have our entire offensive staff" together for the third year in a row.
-- This season mirrors 2013 more than 2014. He says team has chance to improve each game.
-- Malzahn appreciates Jeremy Johnson's patience as backup for two years. He could have went elsewhere, but did not.
-- On Will Muschamp: "He just has that presence around him. He gives all the coaches confidence, he gives his players confidence."
-- On cost of attendance: "I don't really think it's impacted (recruiting) too much." Auburn just states the facts "but I am glad we have it."
-- Carl Lawson being back at defensive end: "We had trouble putting pressure on the quarterback" in 2014. "Not having Carl, that really hurt us last year."
-- A lot of common words here in reference to penalties and second half of the season. "We faltered. Matter of fact, we faltered in the second half of the season" with penalties. Malzahn earlier said
-- Any motivation around the complex to beat Alabama after the 55-44 loss last season? "No, really just focusing on playing better defense." He adds that he "likes our chances" to beat Alabama this year.
-- Lack of discipline on defense last season: "I think it starts with pass rush." Malzahn repeating himself here when asked about the defense. "The bottom line is, we've got to get better." He calls Muschamp, again, the best defensive coordinator in football.
-- Malzahn repeats that team will have to grow and improve week to week like in 2013. "We're going to have to play well and we're probably going to have to win some close games to have a chance to win the championship in our league."
-- Malzahn doesn't know Louisville's Bobby Petrino very well personally, but "he's a very good offensive coach." Auburn "will have to play extremely well" to win.
-- Malzahn calls SEC West "a man's league."
-- Ever felt like you had to give something up defensively because of your fast offense? "The bottom line is winning games and I think you, as a successful coach, whether playing fast or slow, you have to determine what's best for you team."
Malzahn says he talks to OC Rhett Lashlee and DC Will Muschamp about "what they need" to be successful.
-- Hughes High, Malzahn's first coaching job, folded and consolidated with a nearby school. "I told the coach at West Memphis he shouldn't lose a game with those players."
-- Malzahn on Nick Saban's comments about Cam Newton and Nick Marshall getting second chances. Take issue with it as it relates to the real topic, which is domestic violence transfer rule in SEC? "No, I didn't, but I really feel like this is all stemming from domestic violence. ... I believe most coaches wouldn't have a problem with that."
-- Malzahn on the video board: "It's big. It's real big." He says Auburn will practice inside the stadium with the video board turned on so that players will get used to it.
