I apologize if this almost feels like a repeat of last week’s postgame column but, well, I really have run out of words to describe the Gus Malzahn era. Sure, the Tigers pulled out the victory but is anyone actually feeling good about beating an overmatched Ole Miss team?
Frustrating. On Saturday, knowing that the Rebels were going to run the ball, the Tigers defense still couldn’t stop it. In fact, they missed so many tackles that it started to look like a 30-and-over flag football league game.
Discipline? Yeah, right. That’s definitely not the way to put this Auburn team. A week after the Tigers spent more time talking trash to South Carolina than actually defending them, special teams broke down on a number of occasions, including the almost-killer missed extra point. Oh, and that non-call on the kickoff that Shaun Shivers seemed to touch and Ole Miss recovery for a touchdown? Let’s just hope some of Malzahn’s salary is going to keeping the replay officials in his pocket. It is the reason Seth Williams’ heroics were possible.
As I watch Malzahn adjust his belt for yet another time and Chad Morris call for yet another short screen pass, I want to do nothing but yell — or throw something — at the television. It is the same things that have been prevalent during this eight-year run that must end.
The Tigers put up 35 points, you say? Great. This is the worst defense in all of college football. The fact they didn’t put up even more should disgust you.
Remember how hiring James Franklin was a mistake for Tommy Tuberville and it ultimately was the downfall of his tenure at Auburn? Well, the Chad Morris hire might be even as bad. At least Tuberville was trying to be inventive with a new-school offense. Morris basically comes from the same cloth as Malzahn and it shows.
It won’t change, though, as Auburn will likely not be able to afford the buyout that Malzahn has in place. While it would be good for the program — do we really think this team will improve any before the season ends and into next season? — to get rid of him, the money might be too much.
Yet even the die-hard Malzahn supporters are running out of material to throw back in the face of those that want him gone.
Seth Williams has saved Malzahn and Morris from an even hotter seat this week. If it weren’t against NCAA violations, maybe they should treat him to a nice dinner tonight.
I’m going to need some bourbon after watching that.