It’s been pretty quiet on the plains the past couple of seasons for Gus Malzahn and his Auburn Tigers. After a tremendous 2013 season that included a National Title appearance and two huge last second comeback wins against Alabama and Georgia, the Tigers have been trying to find an identity behind center. Coach Malzahn has had a luxury of using many quarterbacks the past couple of seasons, but nothing has really equated to wins or championships. Sean White was the starter last year and he showed signs of greatness, but he was inconsistent throughout the season. And now that John Franklin III has transferred, the Tigers are looking for a new signal caller. Enter Baylor transfer, Jarrett Stidham.
As backup for Seth Russell, Stidham recorded 75 completions out of 109 attempts, 1265 yards passing, and 12 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions during the 2015 season. Not bad for a backup, and everyone knows the backup is the most popular player on the team. When Russell went down with a neck injury, Stidham started three games against Kansas St, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma St. During this three game span, Stidham preformed remarkably well, throwing for 934 yards, 6 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions.
As you watch Stidham, you see exactly why he’s the perfect fit for Malzahn’s offense. The dual-threat quarterback has a very accurate arm, and some underrated foot speed; two key ingredients that makes the Tigers offense dangerous. Not a knock on Sean White or Jeremy Johnson, but that duo never could put it together for the offense. Stidham is the complete package and that is why he is now named the starting quarterback for the Auburn Tigers. What he lacks in experience pales in comparison to his overall athleticism I believe that makes the Tigers a dark horse for the SEC west.
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