Gus Malzahn has not had the most successful career when it comes to bowl games. While he did get UCF to a bowl game — something Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and (mostly) Bryan Harsin couldn’t achieve with Auburn football during the 2022 season — Malzahn tasted postseason defeat for the first time in Central Florida during the Military Bowl against Duke.
The Blue Devils were never threatened by the Knights in Annapolis on Wednesday, taking a 20-7 halftime lead and ultimately ending up on top 30-13, and Malzahn’s play-calling was under scrutiny — with classic short-yardage pass attempts rearing their ugly heads at the most inopportune times, including on fourth and two in the third quarter on UCF’s second drive just outside the Duke red zone.
Auburn football fans took to Twitter to rub it in (WARNING – NSFW LANGUAGE):
Death, taxes, Gus Malzahn shitting the bed in a bowl game.
— ED KING FOREVER (@LonelyTalegater) December 28, 2022
Gus Malzahn team getting cooked in the bowl game??? I’m shocked.
— Pablo Escobarner (blue chek) (@PabloEscoburner) December 28, 2022
Gus Malzahn looking like shit in a bowl game? pic.twitter.com/MJy0rQeKus
— Barning Knight (@BarningKnight) December 28, 2022
Gus Malzahn has been a coach for 11 seasons: 5 of those have ended with at least 5 losses. His last 9 seasons have all ended with at least 4 losses. His last season with less than 4 losses? His first year at auburn. Auburn made the right choice, in case anyone still argues that
— Waterman (winter is coming) (@watermanbbb) December 29, 2022
Bahaha. Third and 6. UCF runs a slow developing bubble screen, behind the line of scrimmage and loses 3 yards. ESPN announcer visiting from Mars, "that was a surprising call by Coach Gus Malzahn." pic.twitter.com/OKYjkjyjb5
— Jabadabadoo (@mringram) December 28, 2022
Gus Malzahn and losing bowl games. Name a more iconic duo.
— Ethan G | 🏎🏁🏆 (@efgregs) December 28, 2022
Gus Malzahn had a losing bowl record with Auburn football
While Gus Malzahn ingratiated himself to UCF fans with a Gasparilla Bowl victory over in-state rival Florida in 2021, this loss is one that could inspire worry as the Knights go to the Big 12 in 2023.
The Military Bowl loss is one that had Auburn fans remembering the 2-5 bowl futility Malzahn had while on the Plains. Of course, one of those losses was in the final BCS Championship game ever following an undefeated season, but two losses in the Outback Bowl take some shine away from the two losses that at least took place in a New Year’s Six bowl.