College Football: 5 reasons Auburn wins 2017 National Championship

3. Gus Malzahn

Gus Malzahn is probably on the hot seat; there are no questions about it.

After a tremendous first season at Auburn saw Malzahn post a 12-2 season, it’s all been downhill from there. Although Malzahn didn’t bring a title back to Auburn, his first season was one for the ages. The kick-six, an SEC title and a thrilling national championship appearance were all staples of Malzahn’s first season in charge of the Tigers. He has failed to come close to achieving any of those features in recent years, however.

To put it simply, Malzahn’s been lucky — the miracle against Georgia immediately followed by the kick-six in his first season, are just a few scenarios. Even the clock-game against LSU last season. Had it not been for any of those three miracle endings, Malzahn isn’t at Auburn anymore. Since Malzahn’s first season, where Auburn went 12-2, the Tigers have accumulated a 23-16 record. Most notably, they’ve failed to defeat rivals Alabama as well.

However, Malzahn is adored in Auburn, at least by his team. As with any team whose coach is in danger of being fired, the Tigers will fight to keep him as head coach. Presumably, a lot will need to happen for Malzahn to keep his job. Luckily for him, his team will be even more motivated by the rumors of a firing.

But, we must not forget the genius that lies inside Gus Malzahn. Although he must have a good quarterback to bring this out, he’s a tremendous offensive mind. His offensive unpredictability resembles Les Miles and the pure knowledge and understanding reminds fans of guys like Lane Kiffin. Malzahn has his quarterback this year with Jarrett Stidham, now all he has to do is coach him up.

Throughout his career at Auburn, it seems as if Malzahn has shined in moments where all eyes are taken off Auburn. He resembles the underdog role and that’s one of the reasons why Auburn can make an unexpected run.