It may surprise most Auburn fans to hear Will Muschamp is willing to give up a lot of points, but that’s exactly what the first-year defensive coordinator said Thursday, Aug. 6.
Muschamp said his only focus is on winning games, no matter how Auburn has to do it.
“At the end of the day it’s about doing what you have to do to win football games,” Muschamp said. “If you win 3-0, that’s just as good as if you win 41-40, it really is. I know people don’t think I think that way but I do. It’s about winning games.”
Muschamp said he likes the effort he’s seen so far in fall camp but would like to see the defense improve.
“I’m pretty, somewhat, pleased with where we are,” Muschamp said. “Not enough consistency, mentally, physically … It is what it is. It’s where we are. We’ve got to continue to move forward.”
Despite the inconsistency, Muschamp said the defensive players have looked good physically through three fall practices.
“I think (strength and conditioning coach) Ryan Russell and our strength staff do a fantastic job,” Muschamp said. “I think our guys are in pretty good shape … I’m very pleased in the third practice with the conditioning of our team.”
A major emphasis of the new defensive staff is improving a secondary that was near the bottom of the SEC a year ago, allowing over 230 yards per game through the air.
Muschamp said improvement in the secondary is paramount moving forward.
“I really think the two closest-knit groups on your football team need to be your offensive line and your secondary, because [when] they break down there the other band is playing,” Muschamp said. “We need those guys to be very close.”
Muschamp said the only objectives in 2015 are winning the SEC and gaining a berth in the College Football Playoff.
“It’s always been about winning for me,” Muschamp said. “I can’t comment for anybody else. Let’s just do what we’ve got to do to win.”
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