Auburn defense want to make good impression, contain Gordon

Posted December 18, 2014 10:00 pm

By JOHN ZENOR

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - The Auburn defensive players have two big challenges heading into the Outback Bowl. They're preparing to face Wisconsin running Melvin Gordon and trying to make a good first impression on their new coordinator Will Muschamp.

The 19th-ranked Tigers have had a few days of practice with Muschamp mostly observing. Linebacker Kris Frost says Auburn players have watched videos showing Muschamp's intensity. He says "it's going to be a really fun year for us."

The new year starts with the bowl game against No. 17 Wisconsin and Gordon, the Heisman Trophy runner-up.

The practices and games are also virtual auditions for players trying to win or hold onto jobs.

But two key players, Frost and fellow linebacker Cassanova McKinzy, are also contemplating skipping their senior seasons to enter the NFL draft.

Former Florida head coach Will Muschamp, right, and Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn pose for a photo after a press conference at Auburn University, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, in Auburn, Ala. Auburn hired the former Florida coach as defensive coordinator Friday, hoping he can rebuild a defense that struggled badly late in the season. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) The Associated Press

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