Gus Malzahn has decided that Nick Marshall will not start the season opener for the Auburn Tigers after being cited for possession of marijuana on July 11. Auburn's season begins on August 30 at home against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Malzahn did not say how much of the game Marshall would miss against Arkansas. "I'm not ready to say that yet," Malzahn said.
Marshall was not the only Tiger punished for an off-season transgression. Top cornerback Jonathon Mincy will not start week one against the Razorbacks as well. On June 27, Mincy was arrested and charged with second-degree marijuana possession. As with Marshall, there is no word on how long Mincy would be out for the opening game.
In Marshall's absence, Jeremy Johnson will get to showcase his talents. Johnson played sparingly last year, but did put up 422 yards passing, 6 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He completed 29 of his 41 pass attempts, which was good enough for a 70.7 completion percentage.
Malzahn also mentioned one more loss for the Tigers. Left guard Alex Kozan will miss the entire 2014 season to recover from off-season back surgery. Kozan started all 14 games in 2013 and was named to the freshman All-American first team. Even with Kozan's loss, the Tigers will return three starters on the offensive line in center Reese Dismukes, right guard Chad Slade, and right tackle Avery Young.