Gus Malzahn named Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week

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AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn coach Gus Malzahn was recognized as The Bobby Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week on Tuesday. The weekly honor is given to the football coach whose program embodies the award's three pillars – scholarship, leadership and integrity – while also having success on the playing field during the previous week.
 
On the field, Auburn opened with a signature victory over No. 6 Washington in Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Saturday. It was the highest-ranked opponent the Tigers have ever beaten in a season opener and just the second ranked opponent they have defeated in a season opener.
 
With the win, Auburn has now won five of their six season openers under Malzahn.
 



 
"As the highest-ranked opening weekend matchup, the outcome of this game has a significant impact on the College Football Playoff race for both teams," said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. "ESPN even ranked this game as the third-most important game for the CFP race throughout the entire season, so Auburn's signature out-of-conference victory should be a significant resume builder in the eyes of the CFP selection committee."
 
Prior to the season, Malzahn – now in his sixth season at Auburn – was one of 20 coaches named to the Dodd Trophy watch list. He's compiled a 46-22 record during his time on the Plains with five consecutive bowl trips, an SEC championship, two SEC West division titles and an appearance in the BCS national championship game his first year.
 
Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham was also honored following Saturday's win as he was named one of the Davey O'Brien Award's "Great 8" quarterbacks for week one.
 
Stidham, who completed 26 of his 36 passing attempts for 273 yards and a touchdown, will now be up for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback of the Week Award, which will be announced Thursday. He's also one of the signal callers on the award's watch list this season.
 
Greg Ostendorf is a Senior Writer for AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greg_ostendorf