Gus Malzahn Named A Finalist For The Broyles Award - AuburnTigers.com

Gus Malzahn Named A Finalist For The Broyles Award Broyles Award Finalist

Gus Malzahn

Nov. 29, 2010

AUBURN - Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has been named one of five finalists for the 2010 Broyles Award, the Broyles Award selection committee announced Monday. The Broyles Award is presented annually to the nation's top assistant coach.

Joining Malzahn as finalists for the award are defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas of TCU and offensive coordinators Paul Chryst of Wisconsin, Dana Holgorsen of Oklahoma State and Greg Roman of Stanford.

Malzahn has instructed Auburn's explosive offense that ranks second nationally in passing efficiency (183.98), sixth in rushing offense (291.3), seventh in scoring offense (41.6) and eighth in total offense (490.1). The Tigers lead the SEC in all of those categories, as well as first downs (24.0) and third-down conversion percentage (51.1).

The Tigers have already set school records for points scored (499) and total offense (5,881 yards) this season, and are on pace to break the school single-season records for points per game (38.5 - 1995) and total offense per game (485.0 - 1970). Auburn is ranked second in the nation in average yards per pass attempt (10.28) and third nationally in average yards per rush attempt (6.24). The rushing average would rank as the second-best average in a season in SEC history.

Auburn has scored at least 50 points in five games this season, which is the most in school history, and rushed for more than 300 yards against six consecutive Southeastern Conference teams for the first time in school history. Auburn has rushed for at least 300 yards in eight games this season and 10 times in his first 25 games as offensive coordinator at Auburn. Prior to his arrival, Auburn had just four 300-yard rushing games in the previous six seasons combined (76 games).

Malzahn, who also coaches Auburn's quarterbacks, helped Cam Newton become the first player in SEC history to amass 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a season. Under Malzahn's guidance, Newton has accounted for 43 touchdowns, which is tied for the second best mark in SEC history. He has set Auburn single-season records for passing touchdowns (24) and rushing touchdowns (18) this season, and is a finalist for the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien and Manning Awards.

Auburn has had one prior winner of the Broyles Award, as current head coach Gene Chizik received the award in 2004 when he served as Auburn's defensive coordinator during the Tigers' 13-0 season.

The 2010 Broyles Award winner will be announced on Monday, Dec. 6 in Little Rock, Ark. The Broyles Award is presented by The Rotary Club of Little Rock.