Gus Malzahn and his Tigers have a history of regathering and coming back strong after bye weeks. In fact, Malzahn is 7-0 immediately following off weeks.
But in yet another 11 a.m. kickoff, No. 20 Texas A&M's unique offense serves as the next challenge for Kevin Steele and the Auburn defense.
Senior linebacker Deshaun Davis has no doubt his side of the ball has the edge.
“We have the advantage,” Davis said this week, “It’s just about being fresh."
Davis spent the bye recovering from a few minor injuries and studying film with his teammates to prepare for the Aggies’ offense.
Davis described Texas A&M's offensive approach as both "strange" and "different." The home team is anticipating quarterback Kellen Mond to utilize his tight ends — an unusual tactic in the SEC — and will be working hard to keep the ball away from Mond's go-to targets: Jace Sternberger and Trevor Wood.
“When it comes to tight ends, it’s really on linebacker play.” Davis said. “If we can keep everything in front of us, we’re going to be okay”.
As for newly appointed head coach Jimbo Fisher, Davis is excited to take him on. Davis openly respects Fisher’s knowledge of the game and has done so since his high school days.
“It will be kind of fun to play against him and try to use my mind against his on the field," said Davis, who is commonly referred to as the "quarterback" of Auburn's defense.
The newly appointed head coach is coming into this brain game looking to add to his team’s 3-0 streak at Jordan-Hare Stadium, but the Tigers seem to have done their research on the coach’s strategies and feel confident in what to expect Saturday.
“They use some really good passing concepts," Davis said. "They try to confuse DBs… it’s all about communication.”
The Tigers had an undefeated November last season. If they can pull it off, “the entire vibe around here would change," according to Davis.
Auburn is set to face off against its annual "Amen Corner" in its last few games following Texas A&M, including No. 6 Georgia and the No. 1 Crimson Tide.
Davis has high hopes that the team can finish strong and end with a “good and memorable season.”
"We had championship hopes coming into the season, but right now, we don't control that destiny anymore," Davis said. "If we were to finish these last four games with a 'W,' we can do the same things we did last year."
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