Playing in the national championship game does wonders for a team and it’s fan base. Such is the case for the Auburn Tigers.
Despite losing their last game of the season, head coach Gus Malzahn likes where his team stands heading into 2014.
“We have a lot of experience back on both sides of the football,” said Malzahn. “Specifically big-game experience, which I think is very valuable.”
Big-game could be construed as close-game in the case of Auburn, whose 12-2 record last season contained two of the most unlikely finishes in college football history. It is those kind of games Auburn cannot rely on for success in 2014.
“I really believe that it is never a goal to win by seconds,” said senior defensive tackle Gabe Wright. “Winning or losing you are always going to take something away from it. We did lose our last game of the season and we will take what we learned and use it as motivation for next season.”
Of course, the feeling coming into this season is a much better one compared to the 3-9 mark that preceded last year. However, with that comes enormous expectations.
“You know, last year we weren’t on anybody’s radar. We snuck up on a lot of people,” said Malzahn. “This year we know we’re going to be circled. At the same time, I feel like that’s good pressure. We’ve got our program back to where it should be.”
“Now we’re the hunted instead of the hunter,” said senior tight end C.J. Uzomah. “But it means we’ve got to step up our game. Attack every workout, everything we do is that much harder.”
Uzomah’s inclusion in the Media Day festivities comes amidst reports of a marijuana-related arrest for quarterback Nick Marshall. Needless to say, a lot of Auburn’s 2014 season hinges on their junior signal caller.
“We have high expectations for our players, but specifically our quarterback, being the face of our program,” said Malzahn. “Nick made a mistake and he’ll have to deal with the consequences. I know he’s regretful and he feels very bad about it.”
“I think he has continued to improve each and every day,” said senior center Reese Dismukes. “I think he has improved tremendously both with his leadership and on the field ability.”
If Marshall is indeed allowed to play, Malzahn will have a returning starter at quarterback for the first time of his career as a collegiate coach. That continuity will be key if Auburn wants to repeat its 2013 success.
