Former Alabama stars DeVonta Smith and Mark Ingram questioned head coach Nick Saban for not running the ball in the red zone during fourth quarter against Texas A&M.
The Alabama Crimson Tide were sent into upset alert territory after they trailed the 3-2 Texas A&M Aggies 24-10 heading into halftime. In the second half, the team rebounded and inched ever so closer to taking the lead. But one drive at the start of the fourth quarter had some former Alabama football stars scratching their heads.
Once Alabama reached and had a first-and-goal trailing 31-27, head coach Nick Saban opted to pass the ball three straight times instead of attempting to run it into the end zone. That had former wide receiver DeVonta Smith and running back Mark Ingram wondering what on Earth Saban was thinking calling those plays.
RUN THE DAMN BALL !!!!
— DeVonta Smith (@DeVontaSmith_6) October 10, 2021
Can’t believe Coach let them throw three straight that might be worse play calling I ever seen 1st and goal from the 3 😂😂🤣🤣 #RollTide anyway 🤗
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) October 10, 2021
DeVonta Smith, Mark Ingram question Nick Saban’s play-calling
We can guarantee that Alabama fans felt the same way during that sequence. So instead of attempting to run it in, Saban settled on a 22-yard field goal to cut their deficit to 31-30. It was, let’s just say, a bold strategy.
Texas A&M’s offense went three-and-out on the ensuing drive. Alabama took the ball and steamrolled down the field, culminating in a touchdown reception by Jameson Williams and a two-point conversion to take a late 38-31 lead.
While it did lead to Alabama taking the lead, they ended up losing 41-38 to the Aggies to end their undefeated streak.