Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban looks on during the 2nd quarter against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 Rose Bowl. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban explains Alabama's baffling overtime play call

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 1/1/24

Alabama’s season ended Monday on a failed quarterback run up the middle. Head coach Nick Saban later explained the decision to opt for a QB draw at the most critical juncture of his team’s season.

The Crimson Tide faced fourth-and-goal on Michigan’s 3-yard line in what turned out to be the decisive play at the Rose Bowl.

Michigan led 27-20 in overtime, which meant that Alabama needed a touchdown to keep their hopes alive.

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe ended up getting stuffed right at the line of scrimmage. Maize and blue jubilation swept the field soon after.

JALEN MILROE IS STOPPED ON 4TH DOWN

THE WOLVERINES ARE HEADED TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/X2x3tPzwqr

— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024

Saban was asked about the polarizing play call during his postgame press conference. The 72-year-old coach stated that his team had three plays prepared.

However, two consecutive timeouts — one called by Michigan, the other by Alabama — complicated their sideline’s plans.

Each stoppage led Alabama to change up their play, which led to Milroe’s failed rush attempt.

“We called three plays. One, they called timeout. One, we called timeout. And the last one that didn’t work. The fact that it didn’t work made it a really bad call,” Saban admitted.

"The fact that it didn't work made it a really bad call." – Nick Saban on the Jalen Milroe QB draw on the final play of Alabama's Rose Bowl loss to Michigan. #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/UnNYJHiBrT

— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) January 2, 2024

The Alabama coach added that his team approached the situation like an extended two-point conversion.

The Crimson Tide averaged 4.1 rushing yards on 42 carries during the game before Monday’s final play. The law of averages appeared to work against Alabama at the worst possible time.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: