BAMANEWSBOT
Staff
For those who have long watched an Alabama team that routinely stresses preparation over payoff, the moment was surreal: After knotting the score at 24 points apiece against Clemson in Januaryâs National Championship game, junior Bama kicker Adam Griffith lined up with 10:34 left in the fourth quarter and ⊠gently floated the ball toward the right sideline. Nick Sabanâs decision to take a swing that big on a stage that colossal seemed to go against everything for which coach and program stood. The onside-kick call felt impulsive and oddly desperate. It felt recklessly out of character, especially for a man who typically tolerates risk about as well as someone with a peanut allergy tolerates Reeseâs. A fourth national title at Alabama was on the line, one to cement Saban as the iconic coach of his generation. How could he pick this instance to try spontaneity?
Only, Saban wasnât being spontaneous; he was going all in with knowledge of his opponentâs hand. As Saban later revealed, Alabama had practiced this play since August, and in the week leading up to the game, the coach had realized it would work. The players on Clemsonâs kick coverage unit had a habit of packing the middle of the field, so Saban knew the area just beyond the right hashmark would likely be abandoned. When Griffithâs kick fell perfectly into Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphreyâs arms, it was more the fulfillment of an expectation than the answering of a prayer. âI thought we had it in the game any time we wanted to do it,â Saban told reporters of the onside kick after Alabamaâs 45â40 triumph. â⊠I felt like if we didnât do something or take a chance to change the momentum of the game that we wouldnât have a chance to win.â
Nick Sabanâs Process Is Officially Unimpeachable â The Ringer
Only, Saban wasnât being spontaneous; he was going all in with knowledge of his opponentâs hand. As Saban later revealed, Alabama had practiced this play since August, and in the week leading up to the game, the coach had realized it would work. The players on Clemsonâs kick coverage unit had a habit of packing the middle of the field, so Saban knew the area just beyond the right hashmark would likely be abandoned. When Griffithâs kick fell perfectly into Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphreyâs arms, it was more the fulfillment of an expectation than the answering of a prayer. âI thought we had it in the game any time we wanted to do it,â Saban told reporters of the onside kick after Alabamaâs 45â40 triumph. â⊠I felt like if we didnât do something or take a chance to change the momentum of the game that we wouldnât have a chance to win.â
Nick Sabanâs Process Is Officially Unimpeachable â The Ringer
