Extra Large Pre-Bedtime Link sAUsage

Yes, I know how that sounds.
Yes, we’re giving you a wacky Wednesday and shifting things around. Today’s link article comes before bed, to give you plenty to check out on your phone before you try to close your eyes. There’s been a ton going on over the last day or so, and we’ll get you the cliffs notes on all of it here.
Obviously, Auburn’s defensive line depth took a hit with the departure of Byron Cowart yesterday. This was one of the weirder recruiting sagas in recent memory, as Cowart committed to Auburn and then we spent all day waiting and waiting and waiting for that letter of intent to come in. There were rumors that his coach was holding him hostage, or wouldn’t sign his letter, or that he wanted to really go to Florida, among others.
Either way, it wasn’t the best foot to start on with the arrival of Cowart to the Plains, and he struggled from day one to break into the playing rotation. There were rumors he wasn’t happy, and it all finally came to a head as he requested his release from scholarship at Auburn.

“Byron had to do what was best for him and his family, so I just hope nothing but the best for him moving forward.” http://bit.ly/2hhPjeA

— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) September 19, 2017

We wish him the best in his future endeavors, but it’s a troubling trend as Auburn’s now lost two high-profile players this week alone.
What Cowart’s absence means is that there are opportunities for younger players. Yes, Cowart played on the inside this year, sitting at second-string tackle, but it just means we’ll see more of certain guys on one of Auburn’s strongest units.

Byron Cowart's departure from Auburn could mean more time at defensive tackle for Nick Coe http://bit.ly/2hkkVwk http://pic.twitter.com/GZswjWQ0G9

— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) September 19, 2017

We mentioned the other high-profile exit earlier this week. This one wasn’t voluntary, but Sean White’s boot from the team creates an interesting dynamic at the quarterback position.

Sean White's dismissal causes Auburn to "think differently" with new backup quarterback Malik Willis http://bit.ly/2hkkW3m http://pic.twitter.com/6sgHdDnsuv

— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) September 19, 2017

So, let’s address the elephant in the room. The offense hasn’t looked great. That’s a given, but there seem to be easily fixable issues, like, you know, PLAYING OUR BIG-PLAY THREATS.

Gus Malzahn: Auburn RB Kam Martin will play more Saturday after 2 weeks of zero carries #WarEagle http://bit.ly/2hkkWAo http://pic.twitter.com/Y5Wh4Sjb6K

— SEC Country Auburn (@SECCountryAU) September 19, 2017

In addition to hopefully seeing Kam Martin once again on the football field, we should see Kerryon Johnson as well. The Tiger offense could go from one guy getting carries to three prime tailbacks getting carries.

Auburn expects 1 player back from injury at Missouri, is "hopeful" about 2 others http://bit.ly/2hkkX7q

— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) September 20, 2017

It should pick things up with one of the sluggiest areas of the team’s output — the running game. Despite the 11 sacks at Clemson, the running game has done just about nothing in the past two games. Kam Pettway took 34 carries to break the 120 yard mark against Mercer, which is way too low on the production scale. So, is this a concern for the head coach? Yes.

What's Gus Malzahn's "biggest concern" entering SEC play? Correcting Auburn's struggling run game http://bit.ly/2hhq5Nw http://pic.twitter.com/rgViJoiO35

— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) September 20, 2017

And with Ian Shannon regressing a bit last weekend, we may go back to a kicking dynamic that we expected we may see a bit this year.

Auburn could turn to Daniel ‘Legatron’ Carlson to kick its punting issues #WarEagle http://bit.ly/2hkkYbu http://pic.twitter.com/8TPEArnCz8

— SEC Country Auburn (@SECCountryAU) September 20, 2017

Now, as for Auburn’s new softball coach. He seems alright. A guy that grew up a big fan of Bo Jackson should fit in just fine in town, and he’s getting all of the right endorsements after taking the job.

"I’m excited for this opportunity for him on a big stage.” @JennieFinch on @AuburnSoftball HC @deanAU_TigersSB http://bit.ly/2hkkemI

— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 21, 2017

But, with as great as Mickey Dean’s hiring sounds, the administration seems to be trying to separate itself from what may or may not have happened with the previous softball regime, without much resolution at all.

.@MGMAdvertiser BLOG (w/VIDEO): Auburn AD Jay Jacobs wants to be “moving forward” with softball program - http://bit.ly/2hhq6ky http://pic.twitter.com/pphm8ZDu48

— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) September 20, 2017

That’s all for tonight. War Eagle, and sleep tight.


from College and Magnolia http://bit.ly/2hhtvj9