Looks like he was going to pass it left whether Smith was open or not; maybe because he knew the safety wasn't moving over. He drops back, then as he prepares to wing it he glances at the left safety, then as he cocks and throws he looks at Smith. WOW!
IMHO...Tua knew Smith could beat the GA DB and knew he was going to Smith before the ball was snapped. He looked right to keep the safety from coming over to cover Smith. On a wider shot you can see the GA safety drifting away from Smith. I think when Tua saw that he knew he had 'em.
I will never grow tired of watching this play.
It's up there with Snake's run in the mud. I watched that game at the Central YMCA in Montgomery with a bunch of friends. Those of us who were Bama fans went crazy. Will never forget it. Or Van Tiffin's 52 yarder against the barn, and now this Tua to Smith walkoff TD.
The 1967 Auburn game was not on TV.
I remember listening to the game on the radio. That was the days only one or two games a year were shown live. Listen on Saturday and watch the relay Sunday afternoon on the Bear Bryant Show.
I was sitting in the student section getting soaked by the miserable rain, but Snake made it worthwhile. I don't think I've seen that run since Bryant's show. Wonder if it's available.
Here you go. Run by Stabler, narrated by Bryant, and commentary by Keith Jackson.
Many thanks, Super. Three famous names here. And I had forgotten we were behind before his mud run.