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Auburn Football at Georgia: Gus Malzahn Post-Game Press Conference Video, Notes and Quotes

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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The Tigers started strong and jumped out to a 7-0 lead after the game’s opening drive, but it was all downhill from there as Auburn struggled in a 34-7 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. Following the game, Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn discussed the loss.

“They beat us in all three phases,” Malzahn said in his post-game press conference, speaking of offense, defense and special teams.

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“We didn’t get it done offensively. I think that’s obvious. They’re a good defense. Same time, we have higher expectations. We just didn’t get it done.”

Georgia outgained the Tigers 412-292 (with the Auburn gaining 121 yards in the first quarter) and held Auburn to 150 rushing yards in the loss. It was the first time the Tigers failed to score at least 20 points since Malzahn became head coach.

Nick Marshall struggled passing and connected on only 11 of 23 attempts and tossed an interception in the red zone that ended the team’s best scoring opportunity of the second half. He gained 41 yards on the ground, but wasn’t really a factor in the rushing attack.

The Bulldogs gained 289 yards on the ground, easily the most Auburn has allowed this season. Both Nick Chubb and Todd Gurley ran for over 100 yards.

“It’s fair to say they won the line of scrimmage. That’s disappointing.”

The Bulldogs also dominated special teams play. Todd Gurley’s first touch of the game was a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown. It was called back as a result of a holding penalty, but it set the tone. Georgia also converted a fake punt (which was also brought back by a penalty) before a Quan Bray fumble on a punt return set up the Bulldogs’ second TD.

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) reacts with offensive tackle Kolton Houston (75) and tight end Jay Rome (87) after scoring a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Subpar special teams play didn’t do the defense any favors, but there were plenty of issues that contributed to the loss, and there will be plenty of things to correct this week in practice.

Tackling is sure to be a top priority. The Tigers have struggled mightily on defense since the loss to Mississippi State. Ball security is another. Auburn turned the ball over three times for the second straight week. Then, there’s special teams, penalties, and the list goes on.

“We’ve got to be big boys. We got whipped tonight. We have to learn from it and bounce back. ”

The Tigers should get some of their frustrations out next week against a new set of Bulldogs: FCS opponent Samford. It will be Auburn’s last home games of the 2014 season, and the team will try to pick up some momentum heading into Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl.

But the third loss of the season was damaging to Auburn’s season goals. The Tigers came into the game ranked No. 9 by the College Football Playoff committee, and though odds were long, they were still alive in the race for the SEC West and even for a spot in the inaugural playoff.

“While I’m at Auburn, we’re going to have high expectations… Sometimes you’re going to meet them, sometimes you’re not.”

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    • After winning the SEC and coming so close to a National Championship last year (13 seconds, in fact), being shutout of the SEC Championship Game and College Football Playoff stings.

    But, Malzahn and company still have a lot to play for. A win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl would ensure another year of bragging rights, secure a nice bowl game destination and keep open the possibility of double-digit wins. A strong finish on the field will help to keep a top ten caliber recruiting class together, which will inject even more talent into the program for years to come.

    And those new players will have the same high expectations this Auburn football team has.

    Here’s the full video of Gus Malzahn’s post-game press conference, courtesy of AL.com:

    Next: Eliminated: 34-7 Loss to Georgia Ends Auburn's Playoff Hopes

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