South Bound & Down
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Gus Malzahn Needs Jarrett Stidham More Than Ever

By Ryan Sweigart

Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn reacts during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn reacts during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gus Malzahn is entering his fifth season as the Auburn Tigers head coach. Now, more than ever, he needs a quarterback to live up to expectations.

With the early success of Gus Malzahn well in the rearview mirror, the Auburn faithful have slowly increased the temperature on the hot seat. Ever since early 2015, Malzahn has felt the heat.

It started with July Heisman Jeremy Johnson. Unable to develop as a passer, Johnson quickly saw his starting role disappear in 2015. He had all the hype, and he seemed to have the tools. But after an ugly 45-21 loss in Baton Rouge, Malzahn could feel the fire. The 2015 season eventually ended with a Birmingham Bowl win against Paxton Lynch and Memphis, giving Auburn a winning record at 7-6.

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Last season the lofty expectations were absent. Fans around the plains expected an 8-4 or 9-3 season. But the way it happened was unexpected. Malzahn looked to have lost his mind in the opening game against Clemson. Frustration grew throughout the fanbase. The defense was outstanding, but the three-headed monster at quarterback lost the game for Auburn. Sean White was by far the best quarterback on the roster in 2016, and it showed later in the season.

After starting 1-2, Malzahn was one second away from possibly being fired. But the LSU game propelled Auburn to roll off 5 more wins in a row with Sean White under center. And the seat began to cool for Malzahn.

Then injuries plagued Auburn down the stretch, and the Tigers lost to both Georgia and Alabama for the third year in a row. Auburn finished the year 8-5, losing to Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl, And once again, the seat was warm for Malzahn.

Enter Jarrett Stidham. The highly touted former Baylor quarterback, and JUCO transfer.

Nov 21, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) tries to avoid the tackle of Oklahoma State Cowboys linebacker Jordan Burton (20) in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) tries to avoid the tackle of Oklahoma State Cowboys linebacker Jordan Burton (20) in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Fans around Auburn have high expectations for Stidham, and with good reason. The kid has shown he can play. In Auburn’s A-Day a few weeks ago, Stidham displayed why he is ready to be the starting quarterback for the Tigers, when he completed 16 of 20 passes for 267 yards.

The most refreshing part of the day however, was that he put receivers in a position to make plays. He made them better, which is essential to the quarterback position. Unfortunately, it is something that has been inconsistent for the Tigers in the last few years. This season, with a young receiving core, Stidham will need to live up to expectations.

He needs to be able to stretch the ball down the field, be accurate, and make enough plays with his feet to keep the defense honest. Sounds reasonable, but Auburn hasn’t had that in recent years.

Another 8-4 or 9-3 season with losses to Georgia and Alabama will more than likely force a Gus Malzahn departure. If he wants to keep his job, a 10-win season with at the very least a win over Georgia, is necessary.

With quarterback trouble over the last two seasons, Jarrett Stidham can be a hero in Auburn. And now, more than ever, a hero under center is what Malzahn needs.

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