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Malzahn on restless fanbase: 'I definitely feel their pain'

AUBURN | The discontent is growing and Gus Malzahn feels it. After a 1-2 start this season including a seventh-straight home loss to a Power 5 team, Auburn's head coach put the blame squarely on his shoulders.

“I've been at Auburn for seven years now, experienced some very good times, a few rough times,” Malzahn said. “The last two losses have probably hurt me worse than any of the others. I fully understand our fan base is disappointed, and they should be. The bottom line is we've got to coach our players better, and that starts with me.

“The fact is, we're close. As a matter of fact, we're real close to being a good team and we're going to get this thing turned around.”

Malzahn took the blame for Auburn's poor start this season. (Robin Conn/AuburnSports.com)

Auburn is 2-10 in its last 12 SEC games and has lost six-straight SEC home games, which is the longest streak in school history. It’s prompted boos from the stands and many Auburn fans have expressed their frustration on message boards, talk radio and social media.

“I definitely feel their pain first of all,” Malzahn said. “I know the Auburn family. I know their expectations. I don’t read social media. I just know they expect us to play good football. I hurt too. We got to do a better job, I got to do a better job. I’m going to.”

It’s been Malzahn’s offense that has struggled the most. Malzahn pointed to too many negative plays, being slow to adjust during games and even his play calling as issues that have to improve.

“Hadn’t been very good, has to be better,” said Malzahn of his play calling. “It’s got to be better. It will be better.”

Malzahn said it’s up to him to lead his coaching staff and players during this time and keep them focused on improving and playing better. An important matchup with No. 18 LSU in for more days.

“As the leader you’ve got to inspire them. You’ve got to keep them together,” Malzahn said. “They know we’re close, players know. Players know that you’re in a game and have opportunities like the last game in the third quarter. Our defense had three three and outs. We had opportunities on the plus side of the field and we didn’t score.

“Your players know that you’re close. We just need to take that next step. We will do that and I’m very confident we will do that.”

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