WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Notes, Quotes

The Sports Xchange

October 16, 2018 at 10:03 pm.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

–QB Malik Willis has not seen much playing time in backing up Jarrett Stidham, but as Stidham struggles (his completion percentage is down to 60.6 percent from 66.5 last year), some are wondering if it isn’t time to give the sophomore more opportunity. Willis has only two pass attempts, completing one for three yards and has rushed only four times for a net three years, but he had a 57-yard touchdown run against Mississippi State last year.

–WR Anthony Schwartz flashed his speed in a 76-yard reception in the loss to Tennessee, simply running past a safety after eluding another defender. The true freshman who has been clocked at 10.09 seconds for the 100 meters has only 10 catches but they have been good for 246 yards and two scores. “I think he’s one of our big-play guys,” coach Gus Malzahn said. “Every time he touches the football, he does something positive.”

–DE Marlon Davidson blocked a field goal try for a second consecutive week in the loss to Tennessee. A stalwart up front, he has 1.5 sacks among his 32 tackles and has been credited with seven quarterback hurries. His ability to get pressure on the quarterback could be decisive in slowing the Ole Miss offense, but his status is uncertain because of an ankle injury sustained against Tennessee.

–LB Deshaun Davis is showing no effects from a knee injury sustained against Mississippi State. He had a game-high 10 tackles in the loss to Tennessee with one for a loss, giving him a team-best 63 for the year. “I had a couple plays where it bothered me but I was able to go out and compete,” he said.

SERIES HISTORY: Auburn leads Ole Miss 31-11. Auburn won the last meeting 44-23 in 2017.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “Jarrett Stidham will be our starting quarterback. He needs to protect the football better. He understands that, but I do have confidence in him and I think he’ll lead us in the right way moving forward.” — Coach Gus Malzahn, quoted in a report on al.com.

ALL  |  NFL  |  College Football  |  MLB  |  NBA