College Football: 3 offensive gurus came up short in Week 2

2. Auburn: Gus Malzahn

Gus Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers offense could only muster six points against the Clemson Tigers. Gus has found success in Auburn both as an offensive coordinator and as a head coach with a quarterback that fit his scheme.

Cam Newton fits all schemes but Gus got the most out of him as he totaled 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Gus then took on Georgia cornerback Nick Marshall and turned him into a quarterback that totaled 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns combined.

Then there’s been Sean White, Jarrett Stidham and Jeremy Johnson to name a few of the dud quarterbacks that Malzahn has struggled with. Stidham finished the game against Clemson 13-of-24 passing for 79 yards. That’s 3.2 yards per attempt as a quarterback that’s supposed to be a stronger passer than rusher — or at least that’s how he played under Art Briles. Many pundits felt Stidham would struggle in Auburn’s Shotgun Wing-T offense as not all spread offenses are the same nor equal.

Related Story: Art Briles Hired/Unhired by CFL

But Malzahn’s offense gave up 11 sacks to Clemson. The Clemson defense run by Brent Venables is great, that’s not in question, but 11 sacks is a philosophical breakdown of your offense. You’re unable to protect a “dual-threat” quarterback who should be able to scramble, sprint and step up from a pass rush.