Auburn football fans had some fun at the expense of former head coach Gus Malzahn in his first game as the UCF Knights sideline boss on Thursday.
The Auburn Tigers opted to move on from former head coach Gus Malzahn following a 6-4 season in 2020 despite his heavy contract buyout. Malzahn did not have to wait long to find a new job, as the UCF Knights football program hired him to be their new sideline boss.
Malzahn’s first game did not get off to the greatest starts, as the Knights were outplayed in the first half of their season opening game against Boise State on Thursday. Of course, Auburn fans could not help but pour salt in the wound.
College football Twitter shared their thoughts on Gus Malzahn’s UCF debut
#FireEverybody #BSUvsUCF pic.twitter.com/AAWbnFzfzi
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) September 3, 2021
Boise State making Gus Malzahn regret not sitting on that sweet, sweet Auburn buyout money right now.
— Patrick Schmidt (@PatrickASchmidt) September 3, 2021
Is Gus Malzahn on the hot seat??!
— Nicky Barnes (@740Pudge) September 3, 2021
https://twitter.com/SCTJR/status/1433620943293792261
Is Gus Malzahn going to get fired at halftime of his 1st game?
— 🅿️arker (Heat in 5) (@PYeezy_6) September 3, 2021
Can’t believe I bet on Gus Malzahn. Guy should be a high school offensive coordinator.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) September 3, 2021
I completely forgot that Gus Malzahn was UCF’s coach when I bet on them. I need a refund.
— Austin Hyde (@austinhyde1) September 3, 2021
Auburns talent carried Gus Malzahn.
— J Lyons (@ayeJLyons) September 3, 2021
Gus Malzahn is the grim reaper of program and athlete development. Dude is making UCF football look like they haven’t won 30+ games in the last 3 years. And being a too offensive team in the country.
— Rambo (@weshootjumpers) September 3, 2021
What did y’all expect? It’s Gus Malzahn
— K A (@agrawalk1991) September 3, 2021
Malzahn’s tenure got off to a disastrous start on the 14-play opening drive. After the Knights went all the way down to Boise State’s eight yard line, quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw an interception to cornerback Tyric LeBeauf, who returned it 100-yards for a touchdown.
UCF eventually got on the board with touchdown passes to tight end Alec Holler and wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala in the second quarter, but trailed 24-14 at halftime.
Malzahn got the last laugh, as the Knights bounced back in the second half to defeat the Broncos 36-31.
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