I didn't see Gary's comment as a plea for AU to find a way to beat us but as an indictment of Malzahn's coaching. I've heard him say similar things about bad clock management for years, even with CNS before, and he usually is right about it. I think it grates Gary to see bonehead calls, no matter who is doing it.
I think this is correct. I think Gary was just astounded that a coach could make such a boneheaded decision. Especially given that they needed 2 scores and all the time they could get.