Auburn running back Tre Mason (21) and Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn celebrate during their Southeastern Conference NCAA championship game against the Missouri, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Atlanta. Auburn won 59-42.ATLANTA – Gus Malzahn said it. Said it after victory most sweet. And improbable. And unbelievable.
Observed the head football coach of the Auburn Tigers late Saturday evening, the coach of the new champs of the Southeastern Conference, the coach who was coaching Springdale High in Arkansas eight years ago:
“A lot of really good high school coaches haven’t gotten the opportunities I have. I’m living the dream.”
May Auburn never awaken from this dream, if that’s what it is. A year ago the Tigers were 3-9 overall, 0-8 in the SEC and apparently going nowhere but downward under coach Gene Chizik, who somehow had guided the Tigers to the 2010 national championship with Malzahn by his side.
Now they’re 12-1 under the Malgician following their 59-42 victory over Missouri in the SEC title game.