For Malzahn, Arkansas win would go a long way toward job security

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn calls out to his players as they take the field in the first half of their NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, in Starkville, Miss. Auburn won 38-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Gus Malzahn’s face told the story.

As LSU players celebrated what looked to be a last-second, game-winning touchdown pass and ESPN flashed a final score of LSU 19, Auburn 18, Malzahn must have seen his career flashing in front of his eyes. But hold everything. The play was under review.

Malzahn was stone-faced as the official deliberated. Then the verdict. The play was overturned as officials saw that the ball wasn’t snapped in time, thus giving Auburn an 18-13- victory.

The Tigers' home crowd roared and the normally calm Malzahn jumped for joy with a huge smile on his face. He had lived to coach another day. Instead, it was LSU Coach Les Miles who was fired the next day.

Auburn would not start 1-3, but was a respectable 2-2 with a win over a ranked team.

If Malzahn coaches Auburn in 2017 - and I say if because he has more work to do to appease demanding boosters - two dates will have been circled on the schedule: Sept. 24, the day Auburn stunned LSU and this Saturday, Oct. 22, a home tilt with Arkansas.

After a third-straight win against Ole Miss, a win against the Razorbacks could be considered a signature one and would put Auburn in line to finish third in the SEC West, and play in a quality bowl game. That means Malzahn, with Arkansas roots, would keep his job and most likely his staff intact.

More on the tall task of upsetting the Hogs in a minute, but Malzahn could be in Miles’ spot if Auburn had lost that game. He knew after a disappointing 7-6 mark and win against Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl, that his seat had warmed. It is why the normally guarded coach invited members of the media to his house for a social function before the season. Any consideration would be appreciated.

The schedule makers weren’t kind with a season opener against Clemson, which Auburn struggled against offensively and lost 19-13. Then came a brief sigh of relief when the Tigers rolled past Malzahn’s former team, Arkansas State, 51-14.

However, the blast furnace was ignited again by a poor showing at Texas A&M and a 29-16 loss. LSU rolled into town the following week licking its own wounds after a season-opening upset to Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Most pundits agreed the losing coach of that game could be in trouble whether it be the following day or the end of the season. Heck, they may both be fired at some point, but that game was going to buy one coach a reprieve.

After Danny Etling’s 15-yard touchdown pass to D.J. Clark was waved off, it was the beginning of new life for Malzahn. The Tigers haven’t lost since and have outscored Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State by a combined 96-21. Of course, the Tigers should have beaten both teams. Now Auburn is ranked No. 23.

There is momentum again and talk of a coaching change is on hold. Quarterback Sean White has settled in as the starter after sharing snaps with Jeremy Johnson and John Franklin III in the opener.

White had his two best games of his career against ULM and Mississippi State, respectively, and leads the SEC in completion percentage with 69.7. He has a 157.20 quarterback rating.

In recent weeks Malzahn has turned the play-calling over to another Arkansas native, Rhett Lashlee. Lashlee, the offensive coordinator, played for Malzahn at Shiloh Christian and coached with him as a graduate assistant at Arkansas and Auburn. He's also had coordinator roles at Samford and Arkansas State.

The change seems to have worked, and the rejuvenated offense is complemented by a defense which has been solid all season and ranks No. 30 in the nation in total defense.

Arkansas enters Saturday’s game as a 10-point underdog. That may be a bit high, but oddsmakers are going with a hot Auburn team at home.

It is a big game for both teams. Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema has job security but is hoping for a breakout season which culminates with a quality bowl game.

This game will probably be won on defense. Auburn has a better defense, but Arkansas’ offense is as good as the Tigers have faced all season. Slowing down Arkansas' passing and improving running game will be a tough task.

White must keep Arkansas guessing with the uptempo pace and break some big plays. The Hogs looked much better defensively against Ole Miss, especially in the second half.

This should be another classic SEC West game and Malzahn hopes he doesn't have to wait until the final play to get another seat-cooling win.