Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has been catching heat for his decisions in last night’s 41-38 upset to loss at Texas A&M.
In particular, O’Brien was blasted by fans and pundits for his play calling in a critical goal-line sequence midway through the fourth quarter. Trailing 31-27, Alabama had the ball at the A&M 3-yard line with a chance to take the lead.
O’Brien elected to throw three passes, which did not result in a touchdown. The Crimson Tide had to settle for a field goal, though they did eventually take a 38-31 lead with five minutes left.
Alabama’s defense was also poor throughout the game, but that didn’t prevent O’Brien from taking his share of flack.
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
stuff like this was happening way too much for Alabama. Bama’s OC and OL coach are two former NFL HCs, Bill O’Brien and Doug Marrone. Some of the issues were just inexcusable https://t.co/MYmHdOUcG7
— Chris B. Brown (@smartfootball) October 10, 2021
Well, not two *good* former NFL HCs. https://t.co/bGXaLpogZM
— Jane Coaston (@janecoaston) October 10, 2021
This is borderline negligence on Bill O’Brien’s part. Seriously.
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) October 10, 2021
Brian Robinson looking at Bill O’Brien after the goal line series. pic.twitter.com/hZlfY6zo9o
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) October 10, 2021
Now everyone sees why Bill O’Brien was a terrible OC. He knows they’re bringing pressure on 3rd and long, but he’s still running deep routes. 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) October 10, 2021
It’s 3rd & goal at the 1. What do we do, Coach?
Bill O’Brien:
Trade DeAndre Hopkins— Dinn Mann (@mooseoutfront) October 10, 2021
Bill O’Brien you suck
— Ryan Weathers (@RyanDWeathers25) October 10, 2021
Also going from Sark to Bill O’Brien is a massive downgrade and it’s showing tonight.
— Brandon Walker (@BWalkerSEC) October 10, 2021
Bill O’Brien should be charged with coaching malpractice for having 1st-goal at the 3 and NEVER ONCE handing it to BRob and running behind Evan Neal pic.twitter.com/13ovk8jfIl
— Josh Bean (@jbeanpoll) October 10, 2021
And, yes, a Bill O’Brien team lost to the Aggies in College Station. Almost predictable.
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) October 10, 2021
As maligned as O’Brien has been, he likely will have some chances to “get right” in the upcoming weeks. Alabama shouldn’t have much trouble handling Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi State and New Mexico State.
But whatever issues the Crimson Tide are having on offense (and defense), they had better get them figured out by the time they finish the season against Arkansas and Auburn.
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