4th and 2 in Last Night's OM / AUB Game

For those who watched the game last night and are just a fan of football strategy, regardless of who is playing, I wanted to hear your thoughts.

Objectively speaking, what was Rich Rod's rationale for his pass play call on 4th and 2 last night? I've been watching football my entire life, but I certainly don't claim to know as much about it as people that study hours of film, scheme against anticipated plays by the D, make personnel considerations, etc. But I cannot understand for the life of me why in that scenario an offense would not play for the 1st down (a run with either Plumlee or Ealy) and then spike the ball, giving you 3 downs and a stopped clock. Of course, getting the 1st was no guarantee, but doesn't a run there make much more sense?

So again, as a professional that is paid well to do this, what was RR's rationale on that play? What about that play in his mind gave us the best chance to win? Was it something about the personnel Auburn had on the field? Did he believe that our only chance to win was to catch them napping and go for a big play? Did he think they'd snuff out the run?

Even if I wasn't an OM fan (unfortunately I am), just as a fan of good football and sound play calling strategy that one is tough for me to wrap my head around.