AUBURN, Ala. – Game week is finally here. Auburn will return to the field this Saturday in Atlanta where it will face No. 6 Washington as part of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN.
On Tuesday, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn held his first weekly press conference of the season and previewed Saturday's game. Here are a few of the highlights.
You can also click here to view the Week 1 depth chart.
High-profile opener in Atlanta
"Obviously we like playing there because that's where they play the SEC championship. That's our goal every year. So we're looking forward to playing there. We're playing one of the top teams in the country. I know [Washington] is a popular pick to be in the final four. I think that's well deserved when you look at them. Yeah, we're glad to play in Atlanta again."
"Your experienced guys have already played in big games. We're fortunate enough, if you look at our schedule, there are quite a few big games. But probably more than anything, we'll learn about our inexperienced guys with a big-game type atmosphere and everything that goes with it. That's probably the area that we can find about information from our players."
"When you look at our depth chart that we released, you see a lot of freshmen, a lot of young guys. There's a good chance the majority of those guys, if not all of them, will be on the field in some capacity on Saturday."
Position groups
Running Backs: "We've got some talented guys. Some inexperienced guys, but they're talented. So I think you'll see that group grow. The thing that stood out to me is they all run hard. I think they're all tough guys. They're all a little bit different. But if you look back at our history, I really feel like when we've been at our best at the running back position, we've had some different type guys. So I'm excited to see how that group moves forward."
(The depth chart lists Kam Martin at No. 1 and JaTarvious Whitlow at No. 2, but Malzahn said freshmen Asa Martin and Shaun Shivers are next in line and could play Saturday.)
Wide Recievers (Sal Canella): "He's one of the more improved players that we've had on our team. The fact that we had the two ACL injuries in the spring really gave him more opportunities, and he's really seized the moment. He's a guy that [Jarrett] Stidham trusts. He's a real versatile guy, too. He's not just a receiver. I mean, he can do a lot of different things. He can play with his hand down. He can play H-back, he can play wide receiver, inside, outside. He gives the offense a lot of flexibility. And he's improved, too. Last year was his first rodeo, and there's nothing like experience."
Offensive Line: "Probably the last week, we started getting some consistency with guys where they're at. They have improved the communication that goes with it. We're feeling as good as we can right now. That group is playing with some confidence. Obviously going against our defensive line every day in practice definitely helps you, too. I don't think that we'll be overwhelmed when we play someone."
Defensive Backs: "I think those three freshmen that you see on the depth chart (Christian Tutt, Smoke Monday, Jamien Sherwood), all three of those guys have earned that. There's a good chance you'll see those guys out there at times, too. Just trying to develop that depth at secondary. Obviously, the first guys we put out there have experience. We know what we're getting. Those guys are in a good spot. They just have to go out there and execute."
Washington scouting report
"Looking forward to playing one of the best teams in college football. When I look at Washington, defensively they were a Top 10 defense last year. They've got nine starters back. They fly to the football. You can tell they really know their responsibilities. They know their answers. It's pretty impressive to watch. They're very good against the run. The secondary, statistically is one of the better secondaries in the country.
"When you look at them offensively, their quarterback [Jake Browning] is a veteran guy, one of the most veteran guys in the country. They have eight starters back. Their running back [Myles Gaskin], three straight 1,000-yard seasons. I think he's set up to break their all-time rushing record in the history of their school. And then they've got a big offensive line.
"When you look at their special teams, they've got the majority of their guys back. They're very good in all three phases, so it'll be a big challenge for us and like I've said before, it'll be a really good test about where we're at this season with the first game."
Injury update
Richard McBryde: "He's going to be out for the season. He's a wonderful young man. Had a neck injury. We hate it for him. He's been with us a long time. He was set up to have a very good season."
Joey Gatewood: "Has a thumb issue. He will not play this week. Cord Sandberg will be our No. 3 [quarterback]. And I will say this, Cord's really progressing. He's really impressed Coach [Chip] Lindsey."
Jamel Dean: "He had a finger issue last week, but we expect him to be fine."
Greg Ostendorf is a Senior Writer for AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greg_ostendorf