TAMPA, Fla. — The 34th installment of the Outback bowl brings about many intriguing storylines: Auburn and Minnesota will encounter each other for the first time in history; each squad’s offensive scheme is significantly different than its counterpart; defensive play will likely be impactful for both squads; and talent differential, to name a few.
However, the most interesting storyline within all of this might just be the relationship between Auburn’s Gus Malzahn and Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck.
In Saturday’s joint media conference, Malzahn shared with the media that he has been a long-time fan of Fleck’s work.
“P.J., I think, is one of the best coaches in all of college football," Malzahn said. "I've been a fan of his for a long time because he does it his way and his teams take on his personality. They play with great effort. They're very well-coached.”
Malzahn’s words of praise were not left hanging, as Fleck would then follow his counterpart’s lead.
“I've followed Coach Malzahn for a long time," Fleck said. "He's one of those guys ... you want to be like, one of the brightest offensive minds in all of college football, and it's fun to watch how he evolves.”
The Minnesota play-caller continued his praise regarding Malzahn’s offensive knowledge by depicting the challenges brought forth by playing Auburn following time off.
“When Coach Malzahn has three weeks to prepare for you, 80 percent of what you basically just saw doesn't exist anymore, and it's something else, and it's even better," Fleck said.
The compliments did not end here, however. Immediately following the conference’s opening statements, the coaches were asked to elaborate on their own personalities, and to compare their approaches when it comes to their coaching persona. Fleck was quick to jump on this subject.
“You know, people have always asked at least me in terms of when you talk about yourself, are you always like this, and I don't know what they're talking about," Fleck said. "It's like me asking you have you always been like this. You're like what? It's the same thing. You just are who you are, and I think for Coach Malzahn, he's exactly who he is.”
The coach of the Golden Gophers did not deny that he and Malzahn differed in their philosophical approach to their jobs; however, he made a point to qualify his statement.
“But again, a lot of respect for Coach Malzahn and what he's been able to do because he's one of the best offensive minds in college football, in the whole game of football, and that's well documented,” Fleck said.
Despite having different approaches to their programs, both Fleck and Malzahn are aware that this week is a business trip.
The Tigers and the Golden Gophers will meet on the gridiron at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 1 at noon CST.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
