AUBURN, Ala. – Five games into the season, Auburn is 4-1 and ranked No. 8 in the AP poll. More importantly, there's still room to improve as the coaching staff continues to learn about the team.
"After five games, you know what your strengths are as a coach and you've got to play to your strengths," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said Tuesday. "That's not just offensively, that's as a team. We've got good information on our team, so I think you'll see us play to our strengths a little better than we have."
On Saturday, the Tigers will experience their first true road game as they travel to Starkville to play Mississippi State. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN2.
RUNNING WITH A PASSION
"I think Kam Martin did a very solid job [Saturday], went through some holes, especially when we spread them out a little bit. A couple of those smoke draws, I think he did a good job, too. He ran with a passion. The game was on the line, and you could really tell that he was trying to will himself and will that offense to win. That was real impressive."
"K.J. (Kerryon Johnson) was extremely patient, one of the more patient backs we've ever had. Each back has their own style. So [Kam Martin] hit it. He bombed it, he hit it. He went through some pretty small seams and kept his feet moving. Kam's a very solid back."
NO CHANGE AT CENTER
"Right now, Nick [Brahms] is going to be our center again. I think more than anything is the cadence. We had four false starts, which is obviously unacceptable. That's what you are concerned about more than anything, especially going on the road. So we're going to have to do a really good job with the crowd noise and everything as far as our preparation. Anytime you have a new center there's going to be a few growing pains.
"But one thing I'll tell you about Nick, he's tried to be very physical. I really think you'll see him improve."
FRESHMAN CLASS
"It was after we got to practice in fall camp – that's when we knew we had some very talented guys that could help. When you have that most successful freshman class, there is going to be some growing pains, too. But those guys have five games under their belt. You can see them each week just be more and more consistent with everything. That's a very talented group."
MISSISSIPPI STATE SCOUTING REPORT
"If you look at them offensively, they have nine starters back. I think it really starts with their quarterback. He's 144 yards away from being the SEC's all-time leading rusher for a quarterback. I think that really says it all. Puts a lot of pressure on defenses. He's a dual-threat guy. They've got some good running backs and a very solid offensive line and some receivers."
"Defensively, they have eight starters back. Of course, we got a chance to see them in person last year. Very impressed with their front seven. The safeties are very aggressive. Right now, they're eighth in points allowed in the country. They're 11th in total defense."
"It's a tough place to play. They have the cow bells and all that. That's always a factor when you go there as far as being loud. It's a different kind of loud. It's not just human voices and everything. That's really unique and different that you've got to prepare for."
INJURY UPDATE
Running back JaTarvious Whitlow and offensive tackles Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho all went down with injuries during Saturday's win over Southern Miss and did not return.
"I'll know more today after practice about their status. I do know all three are going to try their best to play and be a part. But we'll know more about that after practice."
"Bailey Sharp, Calvin Ashley and Austin Troxell will be ready to go at the tackle position. All those guys we have confidence in and they've gotten a lot of reps in practice and scrimmages and everything that goes with that. Of course, tailback-wise – Kam Martin, Shaun Shivers, Malik Miller and Asa Martin will all be a factor if [JaTarvious] Whitlow can't go."
Greg Ostendorf is a Senior Writer for AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greg_ostendorf