Kalen DeBoer explains decision to go for it on 4th & 22

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer elaborated on his decision to go for it on 4th and 22 from his own 18-yard line within the final two minutes after the Tide’s 17-24 loss to Tennessee on Saturday.

The Crimson Tide’s offensive play calling was questioned by many when quarterback Jalen Milroe completed a 13-yard pass, nine yards short of the markers to running back Justice Haynes on fourth-and-22, turning the ball over to Tennessee at the Alabama 31. Alabama went on to use three timeouts on defense before the Volunteers later convert a field goal shortly after, extending their lead to 17-24. DeBoer explained the Alabama offense’s reasoning behind this play to media afterwards.

“You’re going to have to get a touchdown either way on our end,” DeBoer said. “You hold them to a field goal, you’re going to get a stop on three straight plays, use your three timeouts. So, it can go both ways, right? But more than likely, if you stop them, you’re going to get a punt back and have to go the length of the field anyway. You’re giving yourself one more offensive play.”