Alabama did many things right in the Rose Bowl, with the underdog Crimson Tide on the brink of victory in the CFP National Semifinal.
But when things counted most, on the decisive and final play of the game and (as it turned out) season, Alabama failed in epic fashion. Unfortunately, that might be what fans remember most from this game.
The Michigan Wolverines defeated Alabama, 27-20, in overtime Monday to advance to the national championship. But it’s the way the game ended that infuriated many Alabama fans and left other fans scratching their heads at the play call.
After Michigan scored a TD on the first OT possession, Alabama advanced the ball to the 3-yard line. But on fourth down, with everything on the line, quarterback Jalen Milroe took the snap and ran straight ahead, into a solid wall of Michigan defenders and his own blockers.
" It's Williams in motion. Low snap. MILROE STOPPED. MICHIGAN MAKES A STAND AND COMES UP WITH A MILESTONE PLAYOFF VICTORY."
Chris Fowler on the call for the Final play of the Rose Bowl.
Michigan beats Alabama 27-20 in overtime. pic.twitter.com/NFjkAGZKiT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 2, 2024
A curious play call, to be sure, and the fact there was a low snap on the play complicated the chances of success. But the play appeared doomed from the start.
Head coach Nick Saban is ultimately responsible for the call, but offensive coordinator Tommy Rees dialed it up. Either way, many Crimson Tide fans were livid at the decision. And it turned what had been an admirable Alabama effort into a punchline to a bad joke.
Hi my name is Nicholas Saban and I’m calling a QB dive 5 yards out. BTW It’s overtime and there are 8 men in the box.
— George Landis (@TheGeorgeLandis) January 2, 2024
That final Alabama play call was atrocious.
Single coverage on Alabama’s receivers, and instead of depending on speed and athleticism to get a guy open, they shoot Jalen Milroe right into Michigan’s defensive line.
Horrible.
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) January 2, 2024
Tommy Rees with the natty on the line pic.twitter.com/o5hBlRFFe0
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) January 2, 2024
Worst play call since Day called that God-awful 4th-and-1 at the ND 11 in that game back in September 2023 LOL. Tommy Rees has had many ages since then to learn from that. But alas…
— @PaulBoggsSports (@paulboggssports) January 2, 2024
Tommy Rees called a damn QB draw from the 3 yard line on 4th and Goal!!
They DID NOT TRUST MILROE to THROW THE FOOTBALL with the game and SEASON on the line!! Wow! #AskMadden
pic.twitter.com/6WlEMW7O1h pic.twitter.com/KJhfYXkJsW — 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) January 2, 2024
Alabama and Michigan both took timeouts before that 4th and goal play, but Alabama still runs a very predictable play. Everybody in the building knew that a Jalen Milroe QB sneak was coming. @espn #CFBPlayoff #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/xgCcGWKFwL
— Riley Clingman (@clingman_riley) January 2, 2024
THE HIGHEST PAID PUBLIC EMPLOYEE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA JUST CALLED A QB SNEAK.
— Matt Foreman (@ForemanTaxLaw) January 2, 2024
Jalen Milroe: for the win… #RoseBowl pic.twitter.com/oT04H35TvK
— Fliff Social Sportsbook (@fliff) January 2, 2024
[Photo Credit: ESPN]