Auburn Football: 5 Takeaways from 2019 spring football

5. Malzahn cranking up the tempo

Part of Malzahn’s decision to bet on himself revolved around him resuming the roles of the play caller on offense. While he can be a bit gimmicky and at times seems to outsmart himself, it’s hard to argue that he’s not one of the most innovative offensive minds in college football.

Malzahn will get input from new offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, who at 28 is the youngest coordinator in the SEC. Malzahn brought in Dillingham from Memphis, where he was the offensive coordinator there. He’ll have input, but Malzahn will have the final say when it comes to play calling.

A big part of Auburn’s struggles last year revolved around a patchwork offensive line that struggled to keep Stidham upright and failed to open up running lanes for an assortments of backs. With their full stable of starters returning up front, there should be some natural progression on the line that boosts the offense.

Malzahn has also vowed to have Auburn play faster in 2019. He cranked up the tempo in the bowl win over Purdue, and watched his team put up a bowl record 56 points in the first half. He’s spent the spring continuing to do that, and the tempo can be tough for even the best of defenses to deal with.

Auburn will play fast, and they won’t sub on offense, forcing defenders to run up and down the field without getting a breather. If this does turn out to be Malzahn’s final season on the Plains, he’s going to go out swinging in his own way.