Auburn Football: Potential is endless for Bo Nix as starting QB

Gus Malzahn has decided on freshman Bo Nix as the starting quarterback for the season opener. What does this mean for Auburn football?

For the first time in Gus Malzahn’s head coaching career, he will start a freshman quarterback in the season opener. Of course, that was already evident as the battle narrowed down to Bo Nix and Joey Gatewood. At the end, Nix gets the nod to take on Oregon later this month.

Nix was a great high school quarterback, accounting for 12,000 yards and 161 touchdowns in his time at Pinson Valley HS. he’s also Auburn’s highest rated quarterback signee since Jason Campbell.

He is also the son of former Tiger quarterback Patrick Nix. During his time at Auburn, Patrick helped leaded the Tigers to a perfect season in 1993 under Terry Bowden. The most famous play of that season came on a connection from Nix to Frank Sanders.

Bo has made a name of himself now, though. He wasn’t given this job based on that last name, either. This competition was a close one, but by all accounts, Nix absolutely took this job with no help from the outside.

What does this mean for Joey Gatewood?

This is Gatewood’s freshman season. In a world where quarterbacks are entering the transfer portal at the drop of a dime, the first reaction may be to speculate on his departure. However, with all four years of eligibility left, it’s not urgent that the quarterback play instantly. In 2019, he should still be a valuable part of this team.

Gatewood is a physical specimen, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds and he drew comparisons to Cam Newton during the offseason. He may not be the starter at quarterback, but it’s likely that he will contribute to this team. He’s far too athletic to simply stand on the sideline all season. Malzahn has a creative streak, and in 2019, that should involve Gatewood.

Also, Nix is a freshman as well. While Gatewood isn’t the starter to open the season, the possibility of him taking the mound when Nix struggles is high.

What’s next for Auburn?

The Tigers open the season on Saturday, Aug. 31, in Arlington, Texas, against Oregon. The Ducks’ defense finished 82nd nationally against the pass last season, but they’ll be a veteran unit with seven starters returning.

There’s no easing into the season for the newly minted freshman starter. Against a solid Oregon rush defense, Nix will be forced to make throws to win this game.