Through six SEC games, Auburn's offense has been anything but pleasant to watch. The Tigers have put up a meager 286.5 yards per game in conference play, and average 15 points against SEC competition.
Needless to say, things haven't been pretty, as Hugh Freeze was fired on Sunday, and the Tigers look for a spark on offense in their final three games.
Auburn fans, you might want to close your eyes, because a familiar figure has his offense atop the FBS standings by averaging 510.5 yards per game. Yes, I am talking about Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.
In his first season with the Seminoles, the old Malzahn has come back seemingly from the dead. It was apparent in Florida State's season-opening win against Alabama. And here's the funny thing: in that victory, the Seminoles put up their lowest amount of yards all season with 382.
Sure, Mike Norvell's team is at a disappointing 4-4, including 1-4 in ACC play, but it hasn't been the fault of the former Auburn head coach, who helped the Tigers to the 2010 national title as offensive coordinator.
Gus Malzahn is winning the breakup, and Auburn fans are feeling it
Some people are great when focusing on one thing, but they suffer when outside responsibilities come in. Being an offensive coordinator, in my opinion, has always been Malzahn's call, even if his head coaching career started with a bang.
With all the extra responsibilities that come with being a head coach, he got away from what made him special as a play-caller. Now, back in his wheelhouse, he's showing the fire and spark that we saw 10-plus years ago.
Would he want to return to Auburn as an offensive coordinator? I'm not sure, and I don't think it would ever happen. But it is interesting to see what Malzahn can do when given the chance to be himself as a coordinator.
The results speak for themselves. The Seminoles are putting up 40 points per game and moving the ball better than any team in the country. Auburn would love to have that right now.