The final play of the Alabama-Michigan College Football Playoff semifinal remains a hot topic, as it ended with Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe plummeting into his offensive line on fourth-and-goal for a loss in extra time.
Seth McLaughlin is at the center of the discussion, literally, when he missed the shot on Milroe, who caught it in his shoelaces and apparently panicked, knowing that the Crimson Tide needed a score and an extra point to keep the game alive. season.
McLaughlin also botched plays in the second half, leading many to ridicule him as he has been a problem for the Crimson Tide all season.
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Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin, #56, prepares to walk the ball during the College Football Playoff SEC Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on December 2, 2023 at Mercedes Stadium Atlanta Benz. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, in his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” talked about the issues with the center, especially on the last play.
“It wasn’t a big snap. It was a low, shoelace snap. Which now you don’t have your eyes up. It makes it harder to make those kinds of cuts.”
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The replay showed Milroe having an open lane to his left created by an offensive lineman who stopped to that side. However, he simply ran toward the line and the Wolverines celebrated as Milroe was taken down almost immediately.
Saban, however, pointed out a “big problem” that he said contributed to the bad snaps.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban walks onto the field before the CFP Rose Bowl semifinal game against the Michigan Wolverines at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
McLaughlin thought he was hearing Milroe clap his hands, indicating that he should break the ball.
“But our center thought someone was making a noise that sounded like applause,” Saban said. “And sometimes he threw the ball early and sometimes when we weren’t ready. That’s a big problem for our quarterback.”
However, Saban did not deny the fact that Milroe and McLaughlin had not been on the same page all season, with poor plays and lack of communication during games. Saban also noted that he and McLaughlin discussed plays after the Rose Bowl.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban exits the field at halftime during the CFP Rose Bowl semifinal game against the Michigan Wolverines at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
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McLaughlin, who was on the Rimington Trophy watch list before the start of the season (the award for the nation’s top center), will reportedly leave Alabama and enter the transfer portal.
