Alabama showed the same desperation that Georgia’s Kirby Smart did in the SEC Championship Game. And much like what happened with the Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide failed miserably.
Alabama had a 4th-and-6 at the Clemson 23 on their first possession of the third quarter. They lined up for a 40-yard field goal attempt, but Clemson had several defenders off the line, sensing a fake was coming. They were right, as the Tide tried a fake that was well sniffed out by Clemson and easily stopped.
Nothing like having your kicker lead block. That’s what separates Nick Saban from the pack. pic.twitter.com/jw3aTXaGmA
— Barstool Sports (@barstooltweetss) January 8, 2019
The Twitter reactions were predictable.
Jesus. That was horrendous.
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) January 8, 2019
Clemson saw that fake coming a mile away. I'm not sure I've ever seen a defense more ready for a fake field goal.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) January 8, 2019
Nick Saban unsuccessfully tries his inner Les Miles
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 8, 2019
Saban was stunned on the sideline.
"Now, hear me out — next time what if we FAKE THE FAKE?" pic.twitter.com/9mfR3wiGTE
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) January 8, 2019
So you’re telling me that using the kicker as a lead blocker for the holder against a well-prepared Clemson defense didn’t work? Shocker.
For reference, here was Georgia’s ill-fated fake punt against Alabama.
