ESPNNCAA FootballVideo

Auburn Completes (Slightly-Less-Exciting, First Half) Hail Mary

Auburn University pulled off one of the most exciting plays in football today, completing a Hail Mary at the end of the first half that ultimately allowed them to ultimately win in overtime against Louisiana-Monroe. Let this be a memo to any/all football coaches across the country: If you can, always attempt a Hail Mary. You never know when it will be answered.

Sure, Auburn kicker Cody Parkey gets all the glory now after hitting a 35-yard field goal in overtime to help Auburn defeat LA-Monroe 31-28. But Parkey and Auburn are never even in that position if not for the decision to attempt the aforementioned Hail Mary rather than attempt what would have been a 51-yard field goal. Although, I guess Parkey deserves credit for not being able to make a 51-yarder so that the Hail Mary was even attempted at all.

At any rate, more credit goes to Tigers quarterback Kiehl Frazier for avoiding the rush and getting the ball in great position for receiver Sammie Coates to make the catch in the end zone. When two unranked teams like these two face-off, the Player Of The Game doesn’t have to bring Gatorade and snacks the next week. So I can only assume Frazier just saved his mommy some money. Way to go, Kiehl!

Check out the big play via ESPN below:

Follow @jnlevine