State of the Program: What Auburn's Bryan Harsin Needs To Do To Find Success with Auburn Football

[@lacywm]

Josh is THAT GUY when it comes to college football. I watch him every weekend. And him being on The War Rapport is very powerful. Good stuff guys...

[@StuartDonald]

Love Josh's show and his professionalism.

[@TheWarRapport]

He is a true professional

[@richardwentland7729]

Great show guys! Two of my favorite content providers collaborating, nothing better!!!! WDE!

[@TheWarRapport]

We out here Richard! -Mike G.

[@eddarby2307]

Yo WR!!! I have to say this episode is by far my favorite. You know I love the film review, but this episode was just facts, after facts, after facts. This is a good reminder that Auburn offensive players are starting at ground zero with Offensive Football 101 in the 2020s. Most schools can change coaches but their players have some kind of foundation to build on. This is the reason why NFL teams look at Auburn players as projects. You ask the question about when you pull the plug on Bo, to be fair to Bo, if he is struggling to operate the offense (directing protections, checking out of plays, progressions reads, staying in pocket) after four games pull him and save a year eligibility for him to transfer. Almost like D-Eriq King deciding not play after four games with Houston before transferring to get in a better position for the NFL. Think about, the coaches are putting everything into Bo this spring, summer and fall. IF HE IS STILL PLAYING LIKE A FRESHMAN IN GAME 4, I'M PLAYING A FRESHMAN (DD) and building for the future while preserving Bo's future.

[@elizabethcarrano6708]

This might have been my favorite interview so far big fans of both KZbin channels. Best surprise just wish the whole gang was there.

[@blakerobinson242]

I love Josh Pate. Definitely my favorite National show out there! Thanks guys for doing this interview!!

[@TheWarRapport]

Josh is a real one for sure. -Mike G.

[@johnnycaldwell9368]

Why is Josh Pate not on ESPN? What a legend and you guys are headed to that same type of glory with your show! WAR DAMN

[@patmason7276]

Keep our fingers crossed !!!

[@TheWarRapport]

All we can do is wait and hope for the best!

[@ckatech]

I love that whole part of Josh talking about Malzahn not letting the players think and the players relying on their own wits to get the offense right ETA: under Harsin.

[@kmikemoore16]

This is also why under Gus we put few Offensive players into the NFL...they had to learn real football once they left Auburn.

[@TheWarRapport]

Big time facts. Glad you guys enjoyed this one! -Mike G.

[@kenneth6675]

Lmao I'm no Gus fan but Clemson and Ohio State run a version of Gus offense. I know Gus is low hanging fruit but honestly our current staff doesn't have anything close on Malzahn in resume. Most of college football runs the spread and it's becoming more popular in the NFL.

[@TheWarRapport]

"A version" of an offense is not the same. There are concepts with in the spread that Gus never really incorporated that make his offense a much simplified version, specifically in the pass game. You cannot find a credible offensive mind at the pro level that will argue in favor of those concepts as a way to adequately prepare WRs and QBs for the league. - Ike

[@ckatech]

Spread works in the NFL when the QB and the offensive side of the ball are communicating and working together. Malzahn basically disabled the entire offense for their own development to the NFL making it difficult for NFL teams to want to recruit Auburn players. Here is what Patriots QB coach Jordan Palmer said about Jarrett Stidham. "What people don’t realize - and I’ve been doing this a long time - Jarrett had as far to go mentally in terms of what he knew, not in terms of intelligence, in terms of what he knew about football, he had as far to go between college and pro as anybody I ever worked with"

[@calvinburns408]

Great question Ceasar.. I wanted to know the question when it comes to recruiting

[@WaltTaylorau]

Been waiting for this interview... started to suggest it, bit figured you guys were on it

[@TheWarRapport]

We certainly are trying to make it happen!

[@srouss24]

This is the kind of Auburn coverage I want, you guys are awesome

[@TheWarRapport]

Glad you enjoyed this stephen! We're working hard to bring more content like this. We appreciate you're continued viewership as it allows us to continue to grow! -Mike G.

[@TJordanWDE]

Awesome discussion. Thanks all!!!

[@wareagle3168]

J.Pate great vid fellas WDE

[@TheWarRapport]

Thanks James! As always we appreciate your contributions to our community brotha! Mike G.

[@ceasearwalker4298]

Thanks James! WDE!!!

[@klelllawrence6528]

War Eagle fellas! Enterprise, Alabama reporting for duty.

[@dariusholden1062]

One of these best shows yet! Great questions and great answers!!

[@TheWarRapport]

Glad you enjoyed it! -Mike G.

[@DGolfer60]

great questions guys and as always awesome answers from the most straight up college football guy with the best mind in the business

[@auburndad4life987]

So my 2 cents is that if what we had bo do in to spring game it going be run with our tank and worm then past plays that get ball out of hands of bo which help o line and well use our very talented TEs to open field up for our young wr and then lean on that nasty defense!!

[@dewaynelogan1365]

WR and JP on the same stream? Awesome! War Eagle!

[@TheWarRapport]

We in here! -Mike G.

[@jamesbarnette1672]

Awesome interview guys. Thanks 😊

[@TheWarRapport]

Thanks James! We're working hard over here! -Mike G.

[@showmemoblues]

Great show, going big or go home having Josh on was very refreshing.. I hope you bring on JBoy Show also...Fantastic

[@SurfCityBill]

Josh Pate does a great job of sharing his well reasoned thoughts on many college football topics.

[@TheWarRapport]

Mr Pate is a friend of The Rapport and will be back. -Mike G.

[@SurfCityBill]

@@TheWarRapport I'm a Boise State Bronco fan first, a college football fan second and the only good thing about Harsin leaving Boise for me is it LED me to your channel and Pates show.

[@TheWarRapport]

@@SurfCityBill Im glad you enjoy the content Bill. We're working hard to bring you guys something different than some of the other channels out there. You're always welcome in our community! -MIke G.

[@TheWarRapport]

Help us save an animal and donate here! gofund.me/18ff1e16

[@awii5843]

Fantastic show War Rapport!! I enjoyed every minute & truly appreciated hearing an unbiased opinion of Auburn football. Kudos & salute!

[@TheWarRapport]

We’re working hard to bring you more content like this. Thank you for listening! We’re humbled that you guys continue to support us. -Mike G.

[@jeremyreding8014]

Best QB that developed poise without showing much before is Jason Campbell. Another example is Ben Leard. Both looked below average before a staff change of some type (OC in one example and full staff in the other), but both looked very good afterwards - JC under Borges obviously was a stud and Ben under CTT with the transition from Bowden’s offense, which may be an even better analogy.

[@AUClay]

Chris Todd is a friend of mine. He was one of the best QB’s to play in a Malzahn offense, although he didn’t learn to play QB under Malzahn. He was one of the few non running QB’s that was very successful in a Malzahn offense.

[@TheWarRapport]

We have talked with Chris several times. He did an interview with us in our Building Rapport series (check it out). Also, did a few insider film sessions.

[@christishusbandakastan7618]

The comment about being impressive at a carnival was priceless.

[@TheWarRapport]

Josh was quick with the one liners LOL -Mike G.

[@56Cape]

I really feel that the WR corp will be ok. It seems the expectation for other skill positions is to be patient at their positions. The expectations for the WR corps are to be ready now, with expediency...

[@TheWarRapport]

This is a fair point. I think that people are starved for better play at WR because of the wealth of talent that we've had under perform so we're seeing harder expectations put on them. We also know they need to step up to help our QB out when he's under pressure. -Mike G.

[@56Cape]

@@TheWarRapport That’s fair and understandable. It’s like this peanut butter and jelly sandwich not hitting right, need a Turkey and Muenster cheese sandwich...lol

[@TheWarRapport]

@@56Cape Bruh you gotta make sure your jelly to PB ratio is on point. PB&J was there for me when no one else was. -Mike G.

[@liltre912]

JP The Host Goat 🐐 This was definitely a perfect marriage interview War Eagle 🦅 the eyes are definitely on Coach Harsin this is a big boy conference where fans want winning NOW. rivals is this conference anyway so his decision on national tv play to play has to be mature. Great take on Bo ✊🏼 I’ve only seen real poise in the Bama Win and the Oregon Win His ball placement is weak to me 🤷🏽‍♂️ his first year with that championship defense really scratched our heads but if no steps foreword at least show me what our QBs can do don’t show me you have a relationship with the QBs father cause that’s what it looked like before. I want to see good play calls and effort from the this whole football organization

[@calvinburns408]

The problem I see the coaching staff may have is that this staff didn’t recruit Davis at qb Gus staff did so is he more of a Gus guy or can he be a Harsin guy ..or like Josh mentioned maybe they can mold him to be the future or they over looking Davis and waiting to get “their” guy in like the QB they have committed now in the 2022 class

[@TheWarRapport]

Yeah. That's definitely a potential issue for Davis

[@tony-the-tigerjohns3294]

One key aspect that is not getting much air time at all is talent identification/evaluation. Not the number of stars given by the media, the actual evaluation of talent, or lack thereof, by the coaching staff before the offer of a scholarship and signing day. The previous staff had almost no "diamonds in the rough" so to speak and many 4 and 5 star flops. No one can develop or getchaweightup someone who does not have the required talent. Keep up the good work, I love your discussions.

[@TheWarRapport]

That's been a theme for us. We hope to see more of tbat soon on the Plains!

[@tony-the-tigerjohns3294]

@@TheWarRapport Don't try to impress me on signing day, impress me on game day. That should be everyone's motto.

[@TheWarRapport]

🗣🗣FACTS!

[@tjm745]

What a podcast!!!

[@TheWarRapport]

We're out here working fam! -Mike G.

[@gregorylawrence7262]

Mr. Tell It Straight J.Pate!!!!

[@bigfacts5829]

I like Josh show🙌💯🥋

[@bobmoore5242]

Analytical view of the differences between Gus and Harsin.

[@jeremycagle3890]

Josh an WR an Vernon my favs!

[@Giggidi100]

Very unique show. I am not a Josh Pate fan. He has always demonized the fan base for wanting to get rid of Gus yet complains about the same things the fans gave as reasons to fire Gus

[@VernonSpeaksSports]

Excellent WDE

[@mrtyrone1107]

This was great

[@thomasford4235]

I think Bo is smart enough to adapt. He had to rely on his feet because of the O line. Which is a plus also. I see him only going forward.

[@raycorley4974]

WIN

[@moneymon4778]

Whitlow is long gone lol

[@TheWarRapport]

Yeah, he definitely said the wrong name 😂 - Ike

[@trevorthornton6568]

War damn eagle 🦅

[@wesdavis309]

Hope to God you can recruit 5 star at every position like Alabama and Georgia.

[@TheWarRapport]

We will see how it goes.

[@brucevaughn3429]

I love the hire!! Face it!! pretty much anybody would have been an upgrade over Gus!! No more willy nilly HS offense!! hard nosed pro style with Harsin...

[@jebschoener8454]

The best scenario is Bo takes a big step forward and Davis redshirts.

[@TheWarRapport]

Yeah but who is our backup in this scenario? I don't think it's Loy so if they go that route Bo will need to stay healthy the whole season. -Mike G.

[@jebschoener8454]

@@TheWarRapport I hope it is not Loy. Remember, Davis can play in 4 games and still redshirt. I’d give him a full half in 2 games at the beginning of the year and hope Bo stays healthy.

[@lemoriesnalls2894]

No that is not the best scenario.

[@jebschoener8454]

@@lemoriesnalls2894 then what is?

[@lemoriesnalls2894]

@@jebschoener8454 For Bo to take a step forward, and for Davis to be his capable to start backup. You guys bank on players not getting hurt, and that’s just not being realistic and having a plan B.

[@kenneth6675]

I remember when last time we had a multiple offense that was 2012 with Scott Loeffler.🧐 Running a multiple offense doesn't guarantee anything. To blame Malzahn for Nix lack of fundamentals is crazy. It's one thing if all Malzahn qbs were terrible with fundamentals but that wasn't case and no one ever said that before Nix. Nix father was qb, former college qb coach and offensive coordinator. Nix been going to qb camps since elementary 🧐🧐🧐🧐. We recruited well at wr and this notion we don't have vertical threat is insane. Talent is at Auburn to succeed. We criticize Malzahn but he took over a team that was a much worse than Harsin is taking over. Harsin is taking over a team with more talent than he has ever coached.

[@TheWarRapport]

We were not a channel before Nix. I can say, for sure, I have always talked about the QB development issues under Gus. Gus and his system WERE great for when it was introduced but never adapted. I am not sure how you can see any form of development of talent though. Let's point out the examples of offensive players who came to Auburn and got better under Gus. - Ike

[@kenneth6675]

@@TheWarRapport Tre Mason, Greg Robinson, Braden Smith Kerryon Johnson, Nick Marshall, CJ Uzomah, Quan Bray, Peyton Barber, Artis Payne and I can't remember the name of the walk on on side kid that played wr number 33

[@kenneth6675]

Malzahn had a evaluating problem of qb but even still he got the most out of guys very limited in Chris Todd and Sean White. I'm no Malzahn fan but facts are facts and this new regime hasn't done much better at their previous stops

[@TheWarRapport]

You named players that did well. My question is...what evidence do we have that they improved due to anything Gus did? I am not sure there is any. Nick Marshal, specifically, invalidates all of this. His improvement was because he got a QB coach. KJ, CJ and Tre were always good. I disagree here. As far as Todd, he was developed elsewhere. White...did next to nothing at Auburn. - Ike

[@kenneth6675]

@@TheWarRapport Lmaoo Nick Marshall was coached specifically by Gus and he was didn't even have a spring practice Gtfoh. If those players were good why in the hell Auburn go 3-9 in 2012. How was Todd developed somewhere else when he played 5 games at Texas Tech and was in a qb competition neck in neck with Burns. Kodi was probably the worse qb in Auburn history. With Todd limited throwing ability Malzahan made him look average which the previous season he was awful. White was very limited and Malzahn took Auburn to the sugar bowl with him.

[@cliffhill2495]

Prediction: I think Bo Nix takes massive steps this year. Gus almost destroyed the best qb talent at AU since Cam. He will get real coaching now and his natural talent will be able to shine. My biggest concern is the WR position. Hopefully one or two of those guys step up and become a go to guy for Bo. Other concern is O line. If they can lean on Tank early and let Bo get comfortable, I think we will feel good about this season come December. If none of that happens, we have basketball 😂

[@TheWarRapport]

Bruhhh! Bruce has our back come November LOL -Mike G.

[@cliffhill2495]

@@TheWarRapport yes. War Eagle!

[@Skyboxcardz]

We need offense!!! That's the difference between 7-8 wins and 9-10 wins.

[@kaseydunaway1488]

We are going to be better than Alabama this year we will beat Alabama Georgia and LSU this year!!

[@TheWarRapport]

Always love the optimism, Kasey

[@massagetech2982]

....critical mass and boom!! WDE

[@KZbluphi3]

I’m sick about Kyle Davis still

[@TheWarRapport]

Me too. Such a waste of talent man. should have been an all time great. -Mike G.

[@lemoriesnalls2894]

The wrs are not who we should be worried about. It all falls on Bo and the Oline. The talent at wr is there. Don’t know why people are so focused on that position. One of the easiest positions for a young guy to come in and have an impact.

[@TheWarRapport]

The issue with WR is winning a route or running the proper route. I do not happen to be AS concerned as others about it. I think they will get there IF they put in the work with the QBs to get chemistry together. O Line is the biggest concern to me. - Ike

[@lemoriesnalls2894]

@@TheWarRapport I agree, and I personally feel Williams is the right man for the job. Oline should definitely be a concern, as should qb. And not saying you guys made wr a major concern, speaking more of Bo apologists on a few of the paid sites. The content on this show is killing all those venues. Just being honest.

[@lemoriesnalls2894]

Football is not rocket science. Taking a realistic look at the makeup of this team offensively, it’s a no brainer this offense identity should be a run heavy, play action scheme.

[@mr.g1758]

Can't find success unless you can find "bagman" on campus. I think he disappeared when Dye passed away. Aub is falling behind A&M, Ole Miss in west...and maybe MSU and Ark if their recruiting picks up.

[@martinstarling7951]

Lol Ole Miss is not ahead of Auburn in any category

[@RT22-pb2pp]

Only way to fix auburn football program is get boosters and alumni out of the control they have on program. Until they fo that they will be mediocre.

[@trueauburnchampion1322]

Auburn problem is simple. No money spent on football. Pearl got a brand new arena and facilities. End of discussion.

[@martinstarling7951]

They are building a football only facility right now. Got any more brain busters?

[@TheWarRapport]

@Martin Exactly

[@TheWarRapport]

Also studies show there is no strong correlation between new facilities and recruiting. On the field results is what matters the most. Facilities help with retention. -Mike G.

[@kaseydunaway1488]

LSU is going to be the worst team in the west next year. 1 Auburn 12-0 2 Alabama 10-2 3 Texas A&M 9-3 4 Ole Miss 8-5 5 Arkansas 6-6 6 Mississippi State 2-5 7 LSU 0-7

[@TheWarRapport]

While I disagree, I certainly hope you ste right - Ike

[@TheWarRapport]

Nah bruh -Mike G.

[@kaseydunaway1488]

@@TheWarRapport me too I just can’t see LSU being good this year and not knowing who A&M QB is and Georgia not having Pickens and Alabama being Inexperienced a cross the hole Offensive side of the ball that’s just my point of few right now

[@TheWarRapport]

@@kaseydunaway1488 LSU is going to be solid I'm telling you. They have two capable QBs and top ten talent. -Mike G.

[@kaseydunaway1488]

@@TheWarRapport alright cool I still think we beat them this year tho but overall it should be a fun year.