I've still got a carryover man-crush on Malzahn ...

[Machete Man 0]

from last season.  That video of the bammer defense in confusion speaks for itself.  I love the misdirection and the quick pace.  Minimization of the Meerkat gives me more confidence too.

Just wondering where we might display some improvement this season in the big games. I am past sick of losing to LSU and Georgia.  The loss to KY shouldn't have happened.  I don't necessarily think anybody "figured us out" offensively in the losses last season - except in one major area.  D Coordinator's knew Todd wasn't going to run.

I think Newton's running ability adds a whole new dimension.  Plus, I think our receivers have matured and are learning how to get open when it counts.  And they know darn well they better be blocking downfield or their butts will be on the bench thanks to good coaching and some much needed depth.

[mcgatham 0]

we are gonna put up gaudy. Numbers on offense we probably need to focus on defense to make the next step an we all know this.war eagle

[alexava 6,976]

i agree we werent figured out. we just shot ourself in the foot.

[Ronald McDonald 0]

i didn't get to say Welcome Machete Man and mcgatham!!!

But back on subject, the offense was dazzling last year but it also left us out to dry at times. The games you mentioned especially, LSU and Georgia. Three and outs hurt during both of those games and held us back from staying in a rhythm. Malzahn's offense is about getting in a quick rhythm that makes the defense think and react on their heels. Consistency will tell the tale for the offense this year and it'll be fun to watch!

War Eagle!!

[au03cobrafan 0]

I think the offense is amazing.  I rewatched the Northwestern game and at times I noticed the offense had some weaknesses and at other times it seemed unstoppable.  I think when this offense was beaten it was because of a break down by the offensive line and the QB had to ditch the ball or at other times a ball carrier got the ball with a defender in his face.

Key to Auburn offensive success = the offensive line (giving plays time to develop)

[Shift 352]

But back on subject, the offense was dazzling last year but it also left us out to dry at times. The games you mentioned especially, LSU and Georgia. Three and outs hurt during both of those games and held us back from staying in a rhythm. Malzahn's offense is about getting in a quick rhythm that makes the defense think and react on their heels. Consistency will tell the tale for the offense this year and it'll be fun to watch!

War Eagle!!

^^^This^^^

While our offense was a thing of beauty when everything went right, there were too many times it stalled.  The three and outs killed us.  I lost count of the times I sighed with distain last year when we ended up in 3rd and 8 and had to turn the ball over only to see our defense come on the field completely gassed.  I am optimistic that this was just the trials of adjusting to a new offense and all the miscues that come with it.  If we can get the right people in (Newton, Dyer, Reed, etc...) and if we can stay healthly, I think CGM's true genius will come to light.  

One thing's for sure......................it's gonna be interesting to watch and we are bound to be better than last year.  I hope.  

[Rednilla 5,449]

Oh, I disagree: I think we were figured out...for all of about five plays last year. It's just that as soon as someone figures Malzahn out, he changes things. THAT is the biggest difference between him and Franklin.

This isn't just some system that DCs can find a key to neutralizing it, as some have been quick to call it. Rather, it is the brainchild of one of the most brilliant football minds I've ever seen. What people don't seem to understand is that this really ISN'T a "spread" offense; rather it's more a multiple offense with a few strange looking formations and a lot of motion to confuse defenses.

Of course, at the end of the day, what it all comes down to is execution. With a year to learn the finer points to go along with a much more athletic quarterback, I really think we're going to see the offense go crazy this year. Auburn has a lot of potential in 2010...and it's ALMOST time!!!!

[kingofhill1 2]

I'm sorry, but except for two (that's right, two) big plays and one short drive after an onsides kick, the bammer game was not an outstanding game for our offense. Other than that we got very little, if anything done.

[Rednilla 5,449]

I'm sorry, but except for two (that's right, two) big plays and one short drive after an onsides kick, the bammer game was not an outstanding game for our offense. Other than that we got very little, if anything done.

Eh, I think we did okay against them. Say what you will, that was a heck of a defense. However, you're right that it's not as if we rocked them or anything.

[guerra aguila 0]

Oh, I disagree: I think we were figured out...for all of about five plays last year. It's just that as soon as someone figures Malzahn out, he changes things. THAT is the biggest difference between him and Franklin.

This isn't just some system that DCs can find a key to neutralizing it, as some have been quick to call it. Rather, it is the brainchild of one of the most brilliant football minds I've ever seen. What people don't seem to understand is that this really ISN'T a "spread" offense; rather it's more a multiple offense with a few strange looking formations and a lot of motion to confuse defenses.

Of course, at the end of the day, what it all comes down to is execution. With a year to learn the finer points to go along with a much more athletic quarterback, I really think we're going to see the offense go crazy this year. Auburn has a lot of potential in 2010...and it's ALMOST time!!!!

I think the potential could be unlimited. Good points!

[alexava 6,976]

Oh, I disagree: I think we were figured out...for all of about five plays last year. It's just that as soon as someone figures Malzahn out, he changes things. THAT is the biggest difference between him and Franklin.

This isn't just some system that DCs can find a key to neutralizing it, as some have been quick to call it. Rather, it is the brainchild of one of the most brilliant football minds I've ever seen. What people don't seem to understand is that this really ISN'T a "spread" offense; rather it's more a multiple offense with a few strange looking formations and a lot of motion to confuse defenses.

Of course, at the end of the day, what it all comes down to is execution. With a year to learn the finer points to go along with a much more athletic quarterback, I really think we're going to see the offense go crazy this year. Auburn has a lot of potential in 2010...and it's ALMOST time!!!!

I think the potential could be unlimited. Good points!

this is right on  i think qb will set us from last year even if it is trotter.

[AUenginerd 16]

It's not a spread offense, as Malzahn will be quick to tell you.  He insists it's a power running game, but like said, with lots of misdirection.  As Stat has pointed out, use plays to set up other plays.  That's when the fireworks will happen and we'll open up the deep passes and score quickly.  He is a genius in this aspect.  Burn the defense for 6-8 yds on something simple.  Maybe try it a second time.  After the defense is burned twice on something simple, the misdirection will look like its happening again, but the offense knows we are shifting targets to exploit a tendency.  THEN the trickery will REALLY burn the D.  As we all know, this WILL be an exciting year.  7 days and 57 minutes to go!