Malzahn, who began his coaching career as a high school defensive coordinator, is considered one of the brightest offensive minds in the college game today.  He insists that most of the concepts that make up his complex offense came by way of other respected high school coaches from Arkansas.

“I was a head coach my second year that I actually coached, so I kind of had to learn on the run.  So a lot of the guys I relied upon were just successful coaches from the state of Arkansas…I took a few ideas from each of those guys and then turned it into my own.”

Malzahn also makes it clear that he thinks this year’s Ducks team is every bit as good as the one he faced off against in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.

“Their Defense…When I was at Auburn…We only scored 22 points…and we had Cam Newton.  And I really feel like this defense, looking at them on film, is probably better.”

Malzahn also had some thoughts on new Ducks QB Marcus Mariota.  With his size, speed, and passing efficiency, Malzahn insists that the young QB will be a great weapon for the Ducks throughout the season.

Take a listen to the interview here and be sure to tune to 750thegame Saturday at 7:30 as the Ducks and Red Wolves face of at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.