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The Illusion of Success: Gus Malzahn's Offensive Rankings
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:16 am
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:16 am
Here are all of the Gus Malzahn offenses and their PPG rankings in FBS.
As Offensive Coordinator:
2006 - Arkansas - 30th
2007 - Tulsa - 6th
2008 - Tulsa - 2nd (scored 23 against Willy Robinson's Defense and a 5-7 Arkansas team)
2009 - Auburn - 17th
2010 - Auburn - 7th
2011 - Auburn - 70th
As Head Coach:
2012 - Arkansas State - 26th
2013 - Auburn - 12th
2014 - Auburn - 27th
2015 - Auburn - 75th
2016 - Auburn - 49th
2017 - Auburn - 27th
2018 - Auburn - 48th
2019 - Auburn - Currently 44th.
Gus has cracked the top 10 in offense 3 times, all as a Coordinator. Twice at Tulsa against terrible competition and once at Auburn with Cam Newton.
The more interesting thing about Gus's offense is what it actually requires to work. It needs two things primarily: 1. Better Talent on Offense. 2. A solid Defense.
The Defense is actually the primary driver of his offense. If the team has a great defense it allows the offense to get back on the field and wear the opposing defense down to let the superior talent take over. Schematically Gus has never been that great. Taking him at Arkansas would be terrible. He isn't innovative, he hasn't adjusted to the game and he relies on talent that his boosters provide. This season he has squandered an offensive line consisting of all seniors and a good defense. If Gus doesn't bolt somewhere after this season he will likely be fired after Auburn has a bad season next year with a much less capable offensive line.
As Offensive Coordinator:
2006 - Arkansas - 30th
2007 - Tulsa - 6th
2008 - Tulsa - 2nd (scored 23 against Willy Robinson's Defense and a 5-7 Arkansas team)
2009 - Auburn - 17th
2010 - Auburn - 7th
2011 - Auburn - 70th
As Head Coach:
2012 - Arkansas State - 26th
2013 - Auburn - 12th
2014 - Auburn - 27th
2015 - Auburn - 75th
2016 - Auburn - 49th
2017 - Auburn - 27th
2018 - Auburn - 48th
2019 - Auburn - Currently 44th.
Gus has cracked the top 10 in offense 3 times, all as a Coordinator. Twice at Tulsa against terrible competition and once at Auburn with Cam Newton.
The more interesting thing about Gus's offense is what it actually requires to work. It needs two things primarily: 1. Better Talent on Offense. 2. A solid Defense.
The Defense is actually the primary driver of his offense. If the team has a great defense it allows the offense to get back on the field and wear the opposing defense down to let the superior talent take over. Schematically Gus has never been that great. Taking him at Arkansas would be terrible. He isn't innovative, he hasn't adjusted to the game and he relies on talent that his boosters provide. This season he has squandered an offensive line consisting of all seniors and a good defense. If Gus doesn't bolt somewhere after this season he will likely be fired after Auburn has a bad season next year with a much less capable offensive line.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:24 am to Killean
It has appeared for awhile now that the game has been slipping him by on the offensive end and he also likes to get cute too often. He has really leaned on that defense the last few years.
I think Gus and Pittman would be a nasty combo. We would probably have a few games a year with over 300 yards of rushing. Problem is Gus would decide he wanted to throw the ball 30 times and costs us some games in that manner.
I wouldn't be mad with Gus if he can bring a good staff with him but I can think of at least 5 coaches that I would rather pursue than him.
I think Gus and Pittman would be a nasty combo. We would probably have a few games a year with over 300 yards of rushing. Problem is Gus would decide he wanted to throw the ball 30 times and costs us some games in that manner.
I wouldn't be mad with Gus if he can bring a good staff with him but I can think of at least 5 coaches that I would rather pursue than him.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:25 am to Killean
Thanks for the thread, Houston Dale
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:27 am to Latarian
You get your panties in a twist when it comes to Gus. Maybe you just want closer access to your hero instead of to win some football games.
Gus has never and will never win a championship as a head coach. His best days are behind him. Arkansas can and should do better.
Gus has never and will never win a championship as a head coach. His best days are behind him. Arkansas can and should do better.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:41 am to Latarian
quote:
hanks for the thread, Houston Dale
Lat... that was truly uncalled for, he brought some state and you do that? Dude, are you all in on GM? Is your mind right?
In the past you have been a voice of reason, or at least reasonable...
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:49 am to Killean
quote:
Gus has never and will never win a championship as a head coach
Which candidates have gotten closer? I’ll wait for your answer.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:50 am to Razorback Reverend
quote:
Dude, are you all in on GM? Is your mind right?
All in? No. But we realize he'd be a safe hire to bring us back to relevance, and by relevance i mean win some SEC games and competitive against the good teams.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:50 am to Razorback Reverend
quote:
the past you have been a voice of reason
Saying we need a coach to build us to respectability first is literally as reasonable as one can get.
He’s not my first choice (or even top 3), but he’s the safest (won’t bomb) bet of any names I’ve seen.
This post was edited on 11/13/19 at 11:52 am
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:53 am to Latarian
so, who is your top 3?
I mean, even Petrino beat him and would have again if the refs didn't screw us...
So, lets bring Petrino back and demand a specific staff for him, pay him less etc.

I mean, even Petrino beat him and would have again if the refs didn't screw us...
So, lets bring Petrino back and demand a specific staff for him, pay him less etc.

Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:54 am to Razorback Reverend
1. Norvell
2. Clark
3. Kiffin
I would prefer Gus over Leach though. Would be okay with any of the 5 hires.
2. Clark
3. Kiffin
I would prefer Gus over Leach though. Would be okay with any of the 5 hires.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:55 am to Latarian
ETA Gus was my #1 two years ago though. I just feel that ship has sailed
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:56 am to Latarian
well, in that case...
I will drop out!
Because I can agree with those three above GM!
I will drop out!
Because I can agree with those three above GM!
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:57 am to Razorback Reverend
I do stand by my comment that Gus is the safest hire though so we can fight about that if you want!
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:57 am to Killean
Now list 2006-2019 for Arkansas coaches. If you present an argument, do both sides.
I want Norvell, but dont understand the Gus hate. I'm also an outsider, so I see things differently. I do understand the hate, but looking into it, Gus isnt a bad option if that's what it comes to.
I want Norvell, but dont understand the Gus hate. I'm also an outsider, so I see things differently. I do understand the hate, but looking into it, Gus isnt a bad option if that's what it comes to.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:59 am to momentoftruth87
Personal views of Gus, his wife, his church, etc cloud people’s opinions. If he had no history with this state and you just looked at his resume he would be a home run hire.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 11:59 am to momentoftruth87
quote:
Now list 2006-2019 for Arkansas coaches. If you present an argument, do both sides.
Why we would list the coaches for Arkansas? The candidates would make more sense. Still need to apply context when necessary though since they coach in different leagues.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 12:03 pm to rockiee
To show what Gus has done in that period compared to where we were at.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 12:04 pm to Latarian
quote:
Personal views of Gus, his wife, his church, etc cloud people’s opinions. If he had no history with this state and you just looked at his resume he would be a home run hire.
I get all that. Question, is this another division from NWA and LR? Or is this the whole fanbase that is split? I've heard most people in NWA still like the dude. just curious.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 12:06 pm to momentoftruth87
Sounds like it has to do with the job flirtations, which is likely more Jimmy Sexxton getting raises for his client but who knows. That doesn’t bother me.
ETA I don’t live in NWA or LR
ETA I don’t live in NWA or LR
This post was edited on 11/13/19 at 12:07 pm
Posted on 11/13/19 at 12:06 pm to momentoftruth87
Sure.. I will, just for amusement.
Arkansas Offensive PPG ranking by season:
Nutt:
2006: 30th (OC Gus Malzahn)
2007: 13th ( David "ladders" Lee)
Petrino:
2008: 91st
2009: 9th
2010: 17th
2011: 15th
Smile:
2012: 91st
Bielema:
2013: 106th
2014: 44th
2015: 27th
2016: 57th
2017: 62nd
Chad "Gus Disciple" Morris:
2018: 115th
2019: 108th
Arkansas Offensive PPG ranking by season:
Nutt:
2006: 30th (OC Gus Malzahn)
2007: 13th ( David "ladders" Lee)
Petrino:
2008: 91st
2009: 9th
2010: 17th
2011: 15th
Smile:
2012: 91st
Bielema:
2013: 106th
2014: 44th
2015: 27th
2016: 57th
2017: 62nd
Chad "Gus Disciple" Morris:
2018: 115th
2019: 108th
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