AUBURN, Ala. -- Dabo Swinney rocked back in his chair, crossed his arms, and grinned at the cadre of cameras and reporters waiting for an explanation for what seemed inexplicable. A former Alabama player and assistant coach, Swinney was no stranger to Jordan-Hare Stadium, and the way he saw it, kicking a field goal -- a near chip shot that would’ve iced Saturday's game with 40 seconds left on the clock -- wasn’t worth the risk.
“I was playing the odds,” Swinney said. “I’ve seen some crazy things happen here. I wanted the game in the hands of our defense.