Despite a return-to-form win for Auburn's offense and defense last Saturday against Ole Miss, the Tigers' struggles in the kicking game arose again.
Starting kicker Anders Carlson is now 11 for 21 on the season heading into Auburn's bye week after a 1-for-3 mark in the Ole Miss victory.
Auburn's offense has been stalling out on drives this season, forcing Carlson into plenty of long kicks from 40 and 50-plus yards. Of Carlson's 21 attempts, 12 have been from 40-plus.
His 52.4 percent clip this season is third-worst among FBS kickers, but he's just one of five kickers to attempt 20 or more field goals.
"I really think putting him in a situation that we ask him to do so many long field goals didn't help," Malzahn said. "Being a kicker is a lot about confidence and he's a very talented kicker."
Malzahn said Carlson is Auburn's kicker going forward and he has no plans to look at anyone else. Carlson will have a week off to get some extra reps in practice as Auburn has a bye this week before Auburn faces No. 16 Texas A&M in Jordan-Hare next Saturday.
"It will be good to have a week to really refocus and there's no doubt in my mind that he won't finish the season strong," Malzahn said.
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