Nick Saban furious after clock issue helps Auburn get field goal
It’s safe to say Nick Saban wasn’t a big fan of the way the first half of the Iron Bowl ended on Saturday.
The Auburn Tigers managed to run a pass play down to the Alabama 34-yard line, but were out of timeouts as the clock ticked toward zero. While it appeared that Auburn’s JaTarvious Whitlow was tackled with a second left, there shouldn’t really have been any way Auburn could get another play off.
Referees stopped the game to check the clock, which was originally ruled to have expired. One second was put back on the clock, which allowed Auburn to rush the field goal team out and convert a 52-yard try to bring Auburn within 31-27.
Saban was absolutely furious that Auburn was able to get a play off given the clock situation.
"Nick Saban on the sideline, not a happy guy." pic.twitter.com/fV2fRPObJg
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 30, 2019
Speaking to CBS at halftime, Saban was extremely animated, and said he did not understand how Auburn got the play off if it was a live clock.
Saban at halftime: "They said there was 1 second on the clock, but it was a live clock so if they stopped the clock there's no way they can snap it and kick it in 1 second. If you clock the ball you have to have 3 seconds to do it. I don't get it, but it is what it is."
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) November 30, 2019
CBS’s Gene Steratore indicated that the clock was stopped because of the replay review, but that won’t satisfy Saban. The Alabama coach is right to be angry, as Auburn never would’ve gotten the snap off if not for the review. It essentially bought them three points.
While Saban frequently grouses on the sideline, it’s pretty rare that you see him that animated. It just indicates how big the game and call were.
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