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A spirit that is not afraid

Outback Bowl notebook: Why this one matters — and should — to Gus Malzahn

<p>Gus Malzahn during the Outback Bowl introductory press conference.</p>

Gus Malzahn during the Outback Bowl introductory press conference.

TAMPA, Fla. — On Nov. 30, the Auburn Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2019 installment of the Iron Bowl, and don’t think for a minute that the win has left the minds of the Auburn faithful.

However, the victory is now exactly one month removed, and the Tigers have turned their attention solely towards the Outback Bowl. Auburn will take on a highly talented — and motivated — Minnesota team, and leaving Tampa Bay with a win will bode much better for the program than the alternative.

Typically, when referring to non-playoff games, the outcome of a bowl is considered virtually meaningless. The concept makes sense. Aside from the financial payout, what could a team possibly gain, or lose, from the outcome of a bowl game?

Well, in Auburn’s situation, a decent bit more than one may think.

Let’s begin with how much a win could help out head coach Gus Malzahn. 

Malzahn has led the Tigers to a 9-3 record this season, beating two ranked teams in the process; however, all three of Auburn’s losses came at the hands of ranked teams: Florida, LSU and Georgia. This means that – with a win over the No. 18 Golden Gophers – the play caller would have gone .500 against ranked teams on the year, a stat-line that would most definitely sit well with Auburn boosters. 

A win would move Auburn to 10-3 on the season and improve Malzahn’s bowl record to 3-4, both records that would likely increase support for the head coach among the fanbase. 

Now, aside from gaining support for Malzahn, what else can the Outback Bowl do for Auburn?

Much like the Iron Bowl, this game presents an opportunity for the orange and blue to prove themselves. Granted, this is the final game of the 2019-20 campaign; however, the time to start building momentum for 2020 is now. 

Don’t believe this is possible? Let’s take a look at recent bowl outcomes and the following season results for Auburn under Malzahn.

2015: Tigers complete season with 6-6 record, go on to beat Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl.

2016: Auburn ends its regular season 8-4, defeated by Baker Mayfield-led Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.

2017: Tigers finish their season 10-2, suffer a disappointing loss to UGA in the SEC championship and lose to undefeated UCF in the Peach bowl. 

2018: Auburn goes an underwhelming 7-5, blows out Purdue in the Music City Bowl.

Starting to notice a trend?

Generally speaking, when Auburn wins its bowl game, the program sees a statistical improvement in the next regular season. Granted, this trend is not supported by the loss in the Sugar Bowl; however, the pattern did resurface this year with an improvement in the regular season.

Does this trend mean anything?

Not necessarily; however, it is no secret that momentum can be built off of bowl games, and recruits are taking notes. Elite talent keeps their eyes on teams trending upward, and winning your bowl game can help your program do just that.

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Wednesday will be significantly more important for the orange and blue than many may believe, and beating the Golden Gophers is no simple task. Auburn will need all hands on deck if it wants to be put in a good position going into this off season.


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