Plays of the Game
There are certain times in a game when you find out what kind of coach you've really got. Time and time again, Birmingham coach Ed Croson has showed that he's not afraid to roll the dice.
The first time came near the end of the first half. Birmingham was up 7-0 with about two minutes to go. It was 4th and 6 from the Notre Dame 35-yard line. Most coaches would pooch kick, hope the defense can hold and take the lead into halftime. Not Croson. He went for it and his son, junior QB Morey Croson made him look good. Notre Dame blitzed, Morey made the hot read and found Kyle Lard up the seam for a 23-yard gain. Milton Knox scored a 16-yard TD two plays later.
The second key play came on the last drive of the game. Birmingham was up 28-21 with 1:20 to go in the game. 4th and 1 from its own 48 yard line. Most coaches would punt and try to pin ND deep in its own territory because if you go for it and miss, ND gets the ball near midfield with plenty of time to complete a few passes and go for the tying score.
Croson decided to go for it. Milton Knox picked up the first down and Birmingham was able to kill the clock and the game...
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