Kirk Herbstreit sends message to Bryan Harsin following huge Auburn win

When Bryan Harsin was announced as the next head coach of the Auburn Tigers, many questioned if he was qualified. He’s proven to be a great coach at Boise State, but the SEC is a completely different animal.

So far, so good. Harsin is impressing his supporters and critics alike throughout his first season with Auburn. Last night, he notched another huge victory — a 31-20 defeat of the dangerous Ole Miss Rebels.

Now, he’s gaining praise from one of college football’s premier analysts in Kirk Herbstreit. Following Harsin’s huge victory, Herbstreit took to Twitter to congratulate Harsin.

“Hars has Auburn 6-2 and just knocked off a top 10 team. Incredible start to his tenure at Auburn,” tweeted Herbstreit. “Tigers becoming a dangerous team. At @AggieFootball next week for another heavyweight showdown.”

This season was supposed to be a transitional period for Auburn, but they look better under Harsin this season than they did at the end of Gus Malzahn’s tenure. Additionally, Harsin has quarterback Bo Nix playing better football than ever before.

Last night, Nix outplayed Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in a turn of events nobody saw coming. Moreover, the Auburn defense stifled the Heisman front-runner — holding Corral to 289 yards, an interception and a rushing touchdown.

As for Nix, he proved he could get the job done with his arms and legs. Passing the football, Nix was 22 for 30 for 276 yards and a touchdown. On the other hand, he rushed the football eight times — accumulating 30 yards and two touchdowns on the night.

Harsin: ‘He’s always put in the time.’

Prior to Saturday’s game against Ole Miss, Harsin assessed Nix’s play at quarterback this season. Harsin noted that Nix has progressed well — looking like a true Nostradamus following his quarterback’s performance last night.

“From earlier this year, he understands what we are trying to do now,” Harsin said. “That just takes time and none of that (learning curve) is his fault. You just have to have reps and experience and we as coaches have to learn our players, especially at quarterback. 

“You are not going to just put a guy in there and things are going to click all at once. His practiced habits, his fundamental improvements with his footwork and upper body mechanics and where his eyes are has been very good. He is now finishing throws and being more accurate than earlier in the year.”

Harsin noted that Nix has consistently put in the work to become a better quarterback, and that Auburn hope he continues to do so moving forward.

“He’s always put in the time and now I think he is using that time with more focus and figuring out what he needs to improve,” Harsin said. “We are trying to fine-tune those things and iron those things out. We are still a work in progress, but I think he will continue to work on those things and continue to improve.”

If Bo Nix can continue to improve, more and more people will continue to praise Bryan Harsin and the Auburn Tigers.