In case you missed the following on Saturday night, it’s worth a look. Because there aren’t going to be too many times when you see a team take a knee… with five minutes still remaining in the game.
With a first-and-goal at the one and leading 52-3 with five to play, Les Miles had his team kneel down on four consecutive plays, rather than run the score up further on Houston Nutt and the Rebels.
But by trying to show mercy, Miles only opened himself up for criticism. Some — including the color analyst during ESPN’s broadcast — found Miles’ decision insulting to Ole Miss.
Of course, if Miles and the Tigers had stuck in another one on the Rebs, they would have been criticized for running up the score.
Miles said after the game that “victory was assured, there was no reason to take snaps at that point.”
Nutt — who looked a bit bewildered when it happened — credited Miles for trying to be a good sport. “That’s the first time that happened to me. Les is just trying to be nice right there. I appreciate it but either way it doesn’t make you feel good. … He’s a good man. He understands.”
Those who’ve criticized Miles do not understand. He was in a lose-lose situation. Anyone trying to make a mountain out of this mole hill is simply looking for column content.
Miles tried to show class. A tip of the hat — pun intended — to him for that. And if Rebel players were somehow disrespected by a team taking a knee, well, best to not let the other team get up by 49 points with five minutes to play.
