Gus Malzahn 1st down production

[StatTiger 3,188]

Here is the 1st down averages under Gus Malzahn...

YPP = Yards per play

YPR = Yards per run

YPPA = Yards per pass attempt

2006: 6.39 YPP / 77.3% run / 6.41 YPR / 6.31 YPPA

2007: 6.95 YPP / 61.3% run / 5.64 YPR / 9.03 YPPA

2008: 7.17 YPP / 75.3% run / 5.91 YPR / 11.00 YPPA

2009: 5.68 YPP / 75.4% run / 5.28 YPR / 6.92 YPPA

2010: 6.88 YPP / 78.1% run / 6.07 YPR / 9.76 YPPA

During an interview with Gus Malzahn (2010 season), he was asked if he recalled a season, where he ran the ball this much. He told the reporter, "I like to run the ball". The reporters around him laughed, believing he was joking around. Malzahn responded again, "seriously, I really like to run the football".

I know some are expecting to see a major change in the run-pass ratio but I don't believe it will take place on first down. Overall, Auburn will likely be more pass-friendly than 2010 but I still see Auburn running the football on 1st down in the 70 percent range. When you can average well over 4.5 yards per rush on first down, you're off to a solid start. Malzahn's worst season, running the football on first down was 2009, when the Tigers averaged 5.28 yards per rush.

[RunInRed 18,221]

"Run the ball. Knock the hell out of folks."

Where have I heard this before?