No one criticizes Leach for the call at the end of the Texas game because the route was to the sideline. Crabtree caught it with time left on the clock, so if he was stopped before the endzone it would have been out of bounds with a few seconds left. It was also a laser throw that reached the receiver with 4 seconds on the clock, so a tipped pass would have careened out of bounds instantly with time left.

Flynn’s pass was a rainbow that also reached the receiver with 4 seconds left. Due to the kind of throw however, a tipped ball would probably have popped up in the air and maybe allowed time to run out. That’s the difference. It also probably helps that Harrell and Crabtree were considered to be Heisman candidates at the time, as opposed to the less-heralded Flynn to Byrd combo.

Another factor was kicking. Colt David was reliable enough, making 80% of field goals on the year. Tech went through three different kickers who combined to make 53% on the year. David from 40? Money. One of Tech’s guys from 45? Doubtful.

That said, I approve of LSU taking a shot at the end zone there. There was time enough left for it. I am not in the “tee hee, Miles is crazy” camp, nor am I in the “he only won with Saban’s players” camp. The guy can coach, and when it comes to going for it on fourth down, I think he’s ahead of most everyone else when it comes to playing the odds.

David was kicking under 50% on the year at that point between 36-46 yds. He didn’t really hit his stride until late in the year.

The kick would have been a 39 yder.

Miles is a gamer. I like the way the games are called. He has fooled me on many occasions with his calls. He’s a smart coach. You don’t have to be a politician with your words to coach football but you better be able to communicate with your players and other coaches. I think Miles does that just fine.

Go Tigers!