Auburn, Ala. (EETV) Auburn football head coach Gus Malzahn spoke on making adjustments for the road game against Georgia in Week 2.
“You have to be prepared to adjust,” Malzahn said in a virtual press conference. “Our defense adjusted well in the second half. It could be a little bit of a weird time to adjust on what the plan is.”
Malzahn also spoke highly of Georgia’s rushing defenses and the challenges Auburn will face playing them so early in the season.
“Last year they didn’t give up a running touchdown the whole year, and we had one on a quarterback run,” Malzahn said. “They make you hurry and that’s the key. They make you earn it and they mix things up.”
Malzahn also praised his defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, in adjusting his defense against a Kentucky game who went 8-10 on 3rd downs. “It’s his fifth year with us with our players. They know the system. They know after you make changes, you know what to do and execute it,” Malzahn said.
Other factors that will play a key role in Saturday’s game will be limited capacity in Sanford Stadium. “It’s a unique year. I think everybody has learned that. But I do expect it to be loud and we’ll have to adjust to that,” Malzahn said.
Malzahn also gave an update on his players’ COVID-19 testing. There have been over 20 games postponed across the country due to an abundance of COVID-19 cases among players.
“Our latest testing had no positives again, so that’s a really good sign. It’s something we have to continue. It’s a sacrifice for our guys to test three times a week and we have to hold our breath each time,” Malzahn said.
“We have to be ready for all the what-ifs. It’s just the nature of where we’re at this year.”
The Deep South’s rivalry is set for kickoff at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 3. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
