5 storylines to follow at 2019 SEC Football Media Days

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the press conference after his teams 44-16 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the press conference after his teams 44-16 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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3. Will this be Gus Malzahn’s last SEC Media Days?

Gus Malzahn’s Auburn tenure has been inconsistent, to say the least. He has certainly shown that at his best, he can reach the pinnacle of the sport. In between the moments of greatness, however, there are a ton of maddening tendencies.

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In 2017, the Tigers beat both Georgia and Alabama in November, and both were ranked number one at the time. The last two seasons have shown potential, and that is why Malzahn’s seat is so hot.

Now that Jarrett Stidham is gone, Malzahn must find a new starting quarterback. Malik Willis recently transferred to Liberty, ensuring that the Tigers will start a freshman in 2019. Joey Gatewood has been compared, physically, to Cam Newton, and Bo Nix is the highley touted son of former Auburn passer Patrick Nix.

Malzahn has been at his best when his back is against the wall. As Auburn people become increasingly frustrated with the roller coaster nature of his time on the plains, he’ll have to prove that true once again.

He hired offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, but Malzahn will call the plays. The Tigers, as always, have a strong roster with physical athletes on both lines. However, as always, the success of this team will come down to the effectiveness of Malzahn and this offense.