Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin (56) Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This minor issue majorly cost Alabama in the Rose Bowl

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 1/2/24

Alabama came up short in a 27-20 overtime loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl on Monday and they had one issue that consistently plagued their offense throughout the game.

The Crimson Tide struggled to snap the ball in shotgun sets, a problem that perpetuated all season long. Center Seth McLaughlin kept snapping the ball to quarterback Jalen Milroe very low, making it difficult for him to operate.

It was obvious early in the third quarter when McLaughlin’s low snap cost 'Bama 14 yards.

The ball was frequently delivered from McLaughlin to Milroe off the mark. Even on Alabama’s last play of the game, a 4th-and-goal in overtime, the snap was low.

4th-and-goal. Overtime. An opportunity to advance to the National Championship.

This is the stuff you dream of. pic.twitter.com/DRZp7s7Ow1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) January 2, 2024

Bad snap on the final play doomed the timing of the run. It was there if Milroe had a good snap and could hit the run where it was intended. Would have been tough but there’s a path with the widest guy going so far upfield. pic.twitter.com/khi61nHDV1

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 2, 2024

Those who have watched Alabama’s offense all season know that the snaps from McLaughlin have been a problem. Milroe could overcome some of those issues, but when facing a defense like Michigan’s, there was not much margin for error.

The Wolverines’ defensive line was a strength all season and overpowered Alabama’s offensive line during the game. Not having the center-to-quarterback exchange down hurt 'Bama’s offense and put them at a disadvantage.

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

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