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The "2013 Auburn Offense Playbook" under Gus Malzahn’s leadership was a masterclass in modern college football innovation, propelling the Auburn
Tigers from a 3-9 record in 2012 to an SEC Championship and a BCS National Championship appearance in his first year as head coach. Malzahn, returning to Auburn after a successful stint as offensive coordinator in 2010 and a head-coaching year at Arkansas State, installed his signature hurry-up, no-huddle (HUNH) spread-option offense, blending a devastating run game with strategic passing. Auburn averaged 39.5 points per game—11th in the FBS—and led the nation in rushing with 328.3 yards per game, fueled by a 6.3 yards-per-carry average. The playbook centered on quarterback Nick Marshall, a junior college transfer who thrived in Malzahn’s dual-threat system, throwing for 1,976 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 1,068 yards and 12 scores. Running back Tre Mason was the workhorse, amassing 1,816 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning Heisman Trophy finalist honors and powering Auburn’s “Gus Bus” moniker. The offense relied on simple yet versatile concepts like the zone read, inverted veer, and power runs, executed at breakneck speed to exhaust defenses, often snapping the ball within 10-15 seconds of the previous play. Wide receivers Sammie Coates and Ricardo Louis complemented the run-heavy attack with timely deep shots, including the iconic “Prayer at Jordan-Hare” catch against Georgia and the “Kick Six” victory over Alabama—two plays that defined Auburn’s miracle season.
Malzahn’s playbook leaned on an offensive line featuring future NFL talents like Greg Robinson, neutralizing SEC defenses with precision blocking. Despite a 34-28 BCS title loss to Florida State, where Auburn’s offense scored 21 points, the 2013 playbook showcased adaptability, with Malzahn adjusting midseason to Marshall’s strengths after early struggles with Cameron Artis-Payne.
This system not only revived Auburn but influenced college football’s shift toward tempo and option-based attacks, cementing Malzahn’s reputation as an offensive genius.