Offensive guru. Taking control of the plays. A new Gus Malzahn.

Yeah, that wasn’t the case in Saturday’s 23-20 loss to LSU in Baton Rouge as Auburn struggled mightily on offense, wasting one of the best defensive performances you could ever ask for. Time and time again, the LSU D gave Auburn the chance to take control of the game. But, as was the case against Florida in another top-10 matchup on the road, Malzahn’s  play-calling became as dry as an Alabama summer.

Bo Nix, who had seven games under his belt and an opportunity to prove himself after the loss to the Gators, was off. He ended up 15-for-35 for 157 yards with a touchdown and an interception, but that doesn’t tell the story. Missed receivers, panic in the pocket and just downright bad throws were the name of the game for the freshman. Multiple times, you wondered if he and his wide receivers had ever practiced together.

With a first-and-goal situation after a long D.J. Williams run that set up the Tigers on the 8-yard line and a chance to put a stamp on the beginning of the second half, Malzahn didn’t keep the motor running and seemed to settle for a field goal. With an offense that was struggling, and against an LSU offense that can put points on the board, that was unacceptable. In fact, the momentum seemed to shift then. Malzahn had played it safe. I’m sure Dave Aranda and his LSU defense were quite pleased.  {See another take on this below}

It was classic Malzahn. We have seen him have these moments before. In fact, they seem to always occur against LSU. In 2017, the offense went stale after building a 20-0 lead. Last season, the same happened with the score a bit closer. It’s almost as if he looks at the other sideline and sees ghosts when he faces Ed Orgeron and the Bayou Bengals.

There were no halftime adjustments even after the score was somehow tied at 10 at halftime. Surprising? Not a bit. This has been one of the growing concerns during Malzahn’s tenure, going back to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. The Tigers have never come out in the second half and proved that this mastermind on offense had seen things that he needs to change.

If I were defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, I would be furious. The same for Derrick Brown, Marlon Davidson, Noah Igbinoghene and the other key members of this defense that has kept the offense in games and set it up for the win. It continues to put up amazing efforts for absolutely nothing. There’s only so much it can do, especially when the opponent’s snaps start to add up.

There’s a difference between struggling in the first few games and in the second half of the season. This Auburn offense has been downright woeful against teams that can actually put up a fight. (Apologies to Mississippi State and Arkansas.) If Nix has been this off, many have to wonder, how bad is Joey Gatewood that Malzahn doesn’t even trust him to be a worthy replacement?

Another take ...

It won't literally get him fired. But it is a microcosm of why he won't coach Auburn much longer.

Open the half with a 70 yard run from D.J. Williams. He goes out at the 9. In a complete show of amateurism, Gus is unable to handle the excitement of the play and get his guys lined up. We are forced to burn a timeout to avoid a delay of game.

Out of the timeout, we call a singleback dive from under center, straight up the middle. This most-bland of calls nets a 1 yard gain. Joey Gatewood is used on the next down, 2nd and 8. Using Joey was a clear indicator of a run play, making us one dimensional on a long down. Two yard gain by Joey. 3rd and goal, Bo misses Seth on a fade that everyone in the stadium knew was coming (IIRC).

The wildly overthought/underthought coaching makes us settle for 3. We lose by 3, sorely needing that timeout back. And to make matters worse, late in the game Seth Williams proved once again how unstoppable he is if Gus would call simple plays and trust his guys.

I hate this. I hate it. Gus is surrounded by yes men and 29 year olds who know no-better. It is true insanity. We are squandering talent. Gus must honestly believe he is a genius. He must be one of those who believes his own press. How else could you continue to do what he does?