Gus Malzahn tabs a new Starter for Auburn, Jeremy Johnson is Out

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Auburn’s 2015 season has not started out living up to the preseason expectations of being the No. 6 team in the nation. An opening 31-24 win over Louisville looked promising but a scare by FCS program Jacksonville State put the Tigers on notice. Auburn would survive 27-20 in overtime against JSU but then a Week 3 trip to No. 13 LSU changed everything.

Auburn’s offense was lifeless against LSU in a 45-21 loss and starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson is now taking the rap. On Tuesday, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn announced Sean White will start in place of Johnson in Week 4 against Mississippi State.

Malzahn spoke about the change under center during his weekly SEC media conference call stating, “(Johnson) will support Sean.” Malzahn also added, “Anytime you change quarterbacks it’s not an easy decision. I feel like (White) needs a shot right now.”

Johnson is the only Auburn player to attempt a pass in 2015 putting up a stat line of 43-of-72 for 473 yards with five touchdowns. The alarming note is six interceptions and six sacks taken.

White, a redshirt freshman has participated in one game during his career at Auburn but has no career stats. White was part of Auburn’s 2014 recruiting class out of University Nova South in Boca Raton, Florida. Accomplishments White has earned includes being an Elite 11 MVP and Under Armour All-American Game MVP. During his senior season he passed for 2,679 yards with 30 touchdowns ending up in most recruiting services Top 10 pro-style quarterback rankings.

Mississippi State rolls into Jordan-Hare Stadium with the kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. ESPN2 is carrying the coverage.

Photo credit: bleacherreport.com; No. 13 Sean White on the Auburn sidelines.