Why Has Auburn's Offense Become So Inneffective Under Gus Malzhan

In a previous article I made an attempt to explain why the Gus Malzhan offense was so effective at Auburn. I will now explain why it has not been effective the last two games.

The Malzhan offensive approach is a complex combination of simple motion. Each player has a simple motion to learn and when this is combined with the motion of other players it makes a complex offensive show. 

The last few games have been marked by defensive coordinators that were smart enough to key in in this. They have figured out that when certain player combinations are on the field a certain basic motion can be expected and predicted. This has led to a basic neutralization of the confusing effect of the motion.

Gus Malzhan did not seem to pick up on this in either game. This resulted in his play calls being predictable and ineffective. It also resulted in predictable blocking schemes in pass protection that made it simple to rush the Auburn quarterback. This has led the entire Auburn offensive scheme into disarray and confusion.

I am sure by now that this has been recognized by Gus Malzhan and appropriate counter measures taken. Keying off of certain player combinations can be an asset to the opposing team until the executing team takes advantage.

This approach for defenses to stop the Malzhan offense is much like a fake punt. It will work until the executing team anticipates it then it becomes a devastating liability. Gus Malzhan is in his first year as the offensive coordinator at Auburn. There is a learning curve for any coach in a new job. Initial success is met by opponent adjustments and then a new approach must be found. This is college football SEC style. 

While opposing defensive coordinators did find an opening to exploit this offense, it will be short lived. Gus Malzhan is a consummate offensive schemer. He will have become aware of this short coming and will make adjustments. Look for the Auburn offense to come back even more effective in short order.

Gus Malzhan is adjusting to his new job as well as can be expected. Florida has the defending national championship offense with most of the players back. They are still struggling offensively with their new offensive coordinator. The true measure of any new coach is how well they adjust and counter the measures taken by their opponents.

The level of coaching talent in the SEC is much higher than Gus Malzhan faced at Tulsa. This is simply a little bump in the road for an extremely talented offensive mind. He will adjust and come back with a new and revised scheme that will close this new wrinkle found by opposing defenses.