Auburn Tigers: 3 keys to victory over Texas A&M in Week 4
1. Gus Malzahn must coach a good game
This is, of course, always the case, but it’s a point that has been elevated by Texas A&M’s hiring of Jimbo Fisher. Kevin Sumlin was great at recruiting offensive talent, but at the end of the day, Fisher is a huge upgrade in College Station. That’s a thread around the conference.
The coaching ranks in the SEC have become so deep. Fisher has a national title, and Malzahn came close during that same game. Nick Saban’s reputation precedes him at this point, and Saban disciple Kirby Smart has built a powerhouse at Georgia. Dan Mullen has the Gators trending upwards. Ed Orgeron has become a perfect CEO for the sport’s best defensive coordinator, and a new, innovative offensive coordinator. Chad Morris’ offense at Arkansas may be starting to click. Mark Stoops’ Kentucky team is still a tough out.
Every week in the SEC, there is an obstacle. More than at any other point in his career, it is imperative that Malzahn doesn’t try too hard to be the smartest guy in the room.
Perhaps the most egregious example of that was the 2017 matchup with Clemson. Malzahn was set on rotating between three quarterbacks, despite the fact that he was pulling them right as they would start to find a rhythm.
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Against the Aggies, the biggest task for Malzahn will be managing Bo Nix. It will be important that too much isn’t put on the freshman’s shoulders early on. So far, Nix has been better in the second half, so if Malzahn can get the Tigers to halftime without putting his young quarterback in too many compromising positions, Auburn will have a shot.