Trying from 57 yards out was just stupid.
The NCAA record is 67 yards. Griffith, Alabama’s kicker, had kicked over 50 yard field goals before, and he averaged 67 yards in high school on kickoffs.
I think Saban thought the kid had enough leg to keep the ball out of play. Wasn’t Griffith red shirt all season, though, until this game? That was an odd decision.
Saban’s mistake was not having a better defense on the field.