Tiger Talk Recap: Auburn coordinators, Tank Bigsby chat, answer questions ahead of Penn State

AUBURN – Bryan Harsin is in Montgomery, Ala. watching Auburn High School and his son, Davis Harsin, play football.

So, coordinators Eric Kiesau and Jeff Schmedding, assistant coach Roc Bellantoni, and running back Tank Bigsby appeared on “Tiger Talk” on Thursday night, as the Tigers prepare for No. 22 Penn State on Saturday.

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The quartet spent the hour talking with Andy Burcham and Brad Law about the Auburn football team.

Here’s the highlights:

First up, Schmedding:

• On looking back at last year’s game: “You have to dive into that. One of the biggest things is not making the same mistakes.” Mentions self scouting and understanding how Penn State may attack Auburn.

• On playing more man and creating pressure: “We believe we have a secondary that’s on the rise. We’re going to mix it up. I’m very confident in our front.” Mentions making Penn State one dimensional and earning the right to pressure the QB.

• Defending quick slants: “That comes down to fundamentals and technique. It’s going to come down to one-on-ones across the board.” Mentions slants could be fade balls, so it’s a tough defend.

• On the cornerbacks: “Competition is the central theme in that room. They are moving up and down the depth chart daily.” Mentions being excited about the room and competition, seeing the players grow in Football IQ.

• Is there something designed to make Sean Clifford throw the ball quicker this year? “I’d prefer to not let that happen, so we’re on the same page. We feel strongly about the game plan and the guys executing it.” Mentions mixing up the schemes and the guys are hungry to get after the quarterback.

• On the strength of Penn State’s offensive line: “I think they do that well,” talking about playing as one unit.

• Biggest key is attacking Penn State’s tempo: “Cleats in the dirt and eyes on the action.”

• On the difference Jordan-Hare Stadium can make on Saturday: “I was told about how loud Jordan-Hare Stadium can be — I think we have the best atmosphere in college football. Period.”

Next up, Kiesau:

• Prep for a big game: “I understand the importance of it. For us, it’s about the progress and improvement throughout the year. You can’t make it a bigger environment or scheme than it really is. We’re building long term.”

• On the focus on the offense: “That was the word I used all week long. We have unit meetings and I talk to them.” Mentions that was the message all week, “focus.”

• On the atmosphere: “You have to pain the pictures for the players and let them know what’s coming.” Mentions not talking scheme all week, but preparing them for the environment and what to expect.

• Mentions Robby Ashford brings “unplanned game plan yards,” meaning he provides yards that you can’t always game plan for, mentions expanding Ashford’s horizons.

• Favorite thing about Auburn? “There’s something about Auburn. Everywhere you go, they say the people are great. Here at Auburn, when you talk about the people, it’s real. I mean that. If I go to airports, I get a ‘War Eagle.'”

• Do you pre-determine run and pass heading into the game? “We have a plan on approaching the game — but it’s about who is hot and what gets rolling.”

• Penn State defense is “really good.” Mentions the defensive line that’s really good, also refers to Joey Porter Jr. at corner, calling him a potential first-round pick.

• Keys to the game: “Stay focused on what we’re doing. The schemes, they are there. The players are there.

Next up, Bellantoni:

• On coaching edge and special teams, what’s the coaching style? “I don’t switch gears. The kickers get coached like the edge guys. It’s a little more intense than a normal kicking coach. You have to be positive.”

• What’s the philosophy on who plays on special teams? “We have to play the best players we can possibly play. Your best players have to play special teams.”

Next up, Bigsby:

• On the passion of the fanbase, getting ready for Saturday: “I’m so thankful for you guys.”

• On the hardest part of preparing for college versus high school: “It was a challenge” blocking and preparing to take on blitzing linebackers, etc. Praises Cadillac Williams for getting the running backs prepared.

• On Coach Williams: “He’s a great coach — he prepares you for life and on the field.”

• What would be your go-to touchdown celebration? “I’d probably jump in the bleachers with the fans but I don’t want to get a flag.”

• On the challenge to the fans: “My challenge to the Auburn fans is to stick with us throughout the whole game and be as loud as you’ve ever been.”