Ed Orgeron explains late-game decision to go for it on fourth down

Ed Orgeron walked off the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium holding up an “L” with each hand, the last time he’d make such an exit from Alabama as LSU’s head coach. To clarify: the “L” stood for LSU, not for the 20-14 loss, which saw the Tigers fail on two fourth-quarter chances to knock off Alabama in miraculous fashion.

LSU entered the game as 28.5-point underdogs, and for good reason. Before Saturday, the Tigers had gone just .500 since their national title-winning perfect season, explaining Orgeron’s impending departure as head coach. Plus, the last time LSU traveled to Alabama, Orgeron shared choice words about Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, sparking a revenge narrative for Alabama. This season in particular, LSU’s offense has been underwhelming, its rushing attack has been largely nonexistent (save for its win over Florida) and its rushing defense was even worse.

But none of that seemed to matter on Saturday. LSU trailed Alabama by just six points heading into the fourth quarter, and after a defensive stop and solid drive by quarterback Max Johnson, LSU was within striking distance. With just under seven minutes remaining, Orgeron had a fourth-and-goal situation from Alabama’s seven-yard line; a field goal would’ve made it a three-point deficit, while a touchdown would’ve put them ahead.

“We’re going for it,” Orgeron said postgame.

LSU did just that, and Johnson threw an incomplete pass, turning the ball over and all but spoiling LSU’s chances. Even after the loss, Orgeron stood by his late-game decision during his press conference.

“When we walked into the stadium, we were going for it,” he continued. “There was no question. We were going for the win — the whole time.”

The Tigers would end up with one more chance due to an Alabama fumble, but that attempt came up short as well. Tyrion Davis-Price rushed for one-yard on that last-ditch effort, and Johnson three consecutive incomplete passes, squandering LSU’s final opportunity. In the end, Johnson finished 16-of-32 with 160 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and one costly interception, and despite the final result, Orgeron maintained that his decision to go for it on fourth down was the right call.

“I truly thought we were the better team tonight,” Orgeron said postgame in his opening statement. “We just came up a couple plays short. Wish we would’ve had a better plan on offense, especially in the second half. We had opportunities to score and we didn’t. I’ve got to take that responsibility. I just wish that we could’ve put our guys in a better position to win.”