The Auburn Tigers have done everything they can to put last week's loss behind them and prepare for a tough matchup against Georgia, head coach Gus Malzahn said in Tuesday's press conference.
The Tigers aren't concerned with last year's miraculous win over the Bulldogs, but focused on getting off to a better start defensively in Sanford Stadium than they did last week against Texas A&M.
The Aggies offense stunned the Tigers' defense that allowed 35 first-half points in a sold-out Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"We're going to get better at (tackling and communication)," Malzahn said. "A lot of it, the tackling, is being in the right position in the first place. We got some veteran guys, and I feel like we will finish strong in that area."
As the game last Saturday rolled on, the Tigers' defense got more comfortable and held the Aggies to two field goals in the second half.
"Once we get into the game, especially the second half, our guys are playing better and settling down," Malzahn said. "We got to get off to a better start defensively."
Auburn's defense has to step up this weekend if they don't want another upset. The scheduled return of the Bulldog's star running back Todd Gurley and freshman Nick Chubb and Sony Michel make one of the nation's deepest backfields.
"First of all, they got two freshman running backs that are extremely talented, and you can definitely see that," Malzahn said. "They've been effective, and of course when you add Gurley in he is one of the better individual players at any position."
Auburn's pass defense suffered against A&M's freshman Kyle Allen as he threw for four first-half touchdowns against the Tigers. Since sophomore Carl Lawson was injured in the offseason, the Tigers have not had anyone step and consistently put pressure on the quarterback.
"That's a big factor in our defense is being able to put pressure on a quarterback with just four guys, and at times we've not gotten that done," Malzahn said. "What we got to do is figure out ways to disrupt things and put pressure on the quarterback."
The offensively minded Malzahn said it is his job to get the most out the team, including the defense.
"I'm confident in the leadership guys we have, but at the same time as a head coach you try to give your team the best chance at being successful," Malzahn said.
In other Auburn football news, junior wide receiver D'haquille Williams, who suffered a right knee injury early in the second quarter last week, is unlikely to play Saturday against the Bulldogs, according to Malzahn.
"He's week to week right now," Malzahn said. "We'll see how he progresses."
Senior wide receiver Quan Bray said when Williams went down it was a big loss for the team, but junior Melvin Ray and senior C.J. Uzomah stepped up for him at times. The Tigers have to do the same thing moving forward.
"Other people just got to step up, and I'm sure we got athletes and players to step up and get the job done, and I think we will do that," Bray said.
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