Chizik to run Auburn's defense in bowl game

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn coach Gene Chizik says he'll serve as his own defensive coordinator for the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Chizik said Thursday he'll run the defense against Virginia in Dec. 31 bowl game after Ted Roof left to take the same position at Central Florida.

Chizik didn't rule out making a hire before the game, but says ``it would be really hard for a guy to come in here and be a defensive coordinator in a week.''

Chizik is a former defensive coordinator at Central Florida, Auburn and Texas. The Tigers' young group ranks 78th nationally in total defense and 79th in scoring defense.

He says he maintains ``a short list'' of possible replacements for all his assistants.

The Tigers are 7-5 and have given up at least 35 points in each loss.