The time is now, folks. We understand that Gus Malzahn is a beloved figure for a vocal sect of the Auburn Tigers fan base. We understand that he's a good man and a solid example for players and coaches alike to follow. But, the results continue to come up embarrassingly mixed for the Tigers and it's time for a change. It's time to Pull The Plug: 3 Reasons Why Auburn Must End The Gus Malzahn Era.
3. So, About The Offense...
Gus Malzahn's calling card is offensive innovation. Pure, electric play-calling which takes three-star and four-star talents and turns them into five-stars by default. So, what happened against Mississippi State? Ole Miss? Georgia? Auburn scored a combined 41 points in those three losses, and they didn't do that much more of note in a 45-21 drubbing at LSU earlier in the year either.
Whether its Jeremy Johnson or Sean White, Malzahn has done little to nothing to amplify his quarterbacks' strengths and mask their weaknesses -- the mark of a truly great offensive-minded coach, at least in this era. It's inexcusable for this Auburn team to gain just 62 yards in the air against a UGA team that's been struggling off an on for the better part of a month and a half. At home, no less!
2. Talent Yes, Wins No
This Auburn team was picked by many to be a SEC title favorite, but instead they've posted a measly 5-5 record and a 2-5 mark in conference play - good enough for the cellar in the SEC West. We know Auburn has the talent to be much better than this. We saw it in fits and starts at the beginning of last year. We've seen it in flashes this year. When a program which has become a recruiting giant doesn't get even 80% capacity out of its high-level recruits -- especially when that groups is just 6-9 in conference play over the past two years -- it's time to point the finger at the coaching staff.
NOW READ: Top 10 Replacements For Gus Malzhan
1. A Fall From Grace
Malzahn had a reserve of good will stored up from the team's BCS Championship Game appearance, but why exactly are we defending him two years later after Gene Chizik was run out of town two years after WINNING the BCS title? Chizik was 11-14 over his final duo of seasons before getting axed. Malzahn is 13-10 right now in his two-year stint in the post-BCS woods, but there's no denying that he has more blue-chip talent at his disposal than Chizik did during his fall from grace.
Are we defending Malzahn because he's actually the man to lead this program to the promised land, or are we defending him because we like him better than Chizik as a person and figurehead? Football isn't a homecoming king vote. It's a results-driven business. The results aren't there.
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