AUBURN, Ala. – Refreshed after an open weekend, the Auburn Tigers return to Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday at 11 a.m. against Texas A&M.
"The off week went very well," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "I think we accomplished all of our goals -- more than anything, I think just to get physically and mentally refreshed. We got a chance to work on ourselves and then get a head start on Texas A&M, which definitely is much needed.
"Probably more than anything is evaluating us, and getting a chance to work on us, and clean some things up really in all three phases that can help us the last four weeks. And then, of course, any time you get an extra couple days on your opponent, that really helps. Got a chance to watch them play on Saturday, so it was good to get a head start on that, too."
Here are highlights from Malzahn's weekly meeting with reporters:
Scouting Texas A&M: "Really what stands out to me about Texas A&M, you know they're No. 2 in time of possession in the country. They hold on to the ball; their defense gets off the field. When you look at their defense, they're very good against the run; I think they're No. 5 in the country in rush defense. They're very good on third down, which has definitely helped them as far as time of possession is concerned. Offensively, they have a dual threat quarterback, Kellen Mond, he's much improved from last year. You can tell he's comfortable. They can run the ball, they've got some weapons at receiver and they have the top punter in the country. They're leading the country in net punting, that's helping the field positions and everything that goes with that.
On freshmen's instant impact: "Well, I think you start out and you've got your freshmen and you know they're talented. There's a period of time that they get their feet wet out there and you get to evaluate them and see what they can do, and then there's a point that you see the guys that are comfortable making plays and can execute and everything that goes with it. We're just to a point now where I think we've got a good idea of our strengths and the guys that need to be on the field and are they confident enough to make plays and all that. And right now we've got a bunch of freshmen that are really coming on, which I think is a really good thing, not just for the last four games, but for the future."
Seth Williams' emergence: "First of all, he has the ability. He has a very good skill set and it's just been a process of him becoming more comfortable. The more that you are out there, and you get your number called and you are successful, the more success you have. Like I said, those guys are to a point now where they shouldn't be thinking or playing like freshmen. They've played a lot of ball and I think Seth is one of those guys that could even take that next step the final part of the season."
Injury updates: Boobee Whitlow did not practice this last week; we'll see where he's at this week. I'd say right now he's day-to-day. Jack Driscoll did practice on a limited basis last week and we'll see where he goes also and I would say he's day-to-day with that. Overall, it was a good week for us. I think we're in a good position to finish strong and playing a good Texas A&M team at 11 am at home."
Whitlow's run to 1,000 yards: We have had nine in a row, so it would be good to have 10. I think if he stays healthy then I believe he will have a good shot at achieving that mark."
CBS Saturday in NYC: "I had that planned from way back before the season, and I was still able to recruit all day Friday and Friday night. Made a quick trip up to New York, and whenever you are able to do that it is really good for recruiting."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer