Ursus1 said:
One only needs to look at the TOP for the second half in Idaho game to point out the risks.. A defense that is on the field that long is in jeopardy of losing a lead especially against a QB and receivers like Idaho. If that onside kick was not offsides, griz would likely have lost by a fieldgoal as time expires. For whatever reason, there was a major change in offensive play selection as noted above. They came away with the win this time, but sooner or later it will bite the Griz in the ass being too conservative and going away from what was working. The offensive game plan in the first half was excellent, they just tried to "not lose" too early in the game. Lucky the new timing rules shortened the game.
I am still doubting the great change in play-calling and the play not to lose stuff. My view is that what occurred is that the Griz O didn't convert many 3d downs and didn't have many first downs the second half. I would blame that on Idaho adjustment and failure of UM to execute.
In the 3d Q, UM had 1 drive plus 1 play. The drive started with 2 passes including a 22 yard completion. 1st down. Then, a run, and incomplete pass, and a sack. What was conservative or play not to lose there? The problem was the 3d down sack.
Next drive into 4th, was a run, a McDowell run, and a completed pass for a first down. Then, a McDowell run and 2 Ostmo runs followed by a FG. That's not overly conservative, except maybe there could have been a 3d and 4 pass.
Next drive started at 5:38 left in the game. That's pretty late in game. Then 2 runs by Gillman and a short pass complete to Bergen on 3d and 5. Punt.
Next drive started at 1:45. We should be conservative then.
I just don't get the gripe about playing not to lose and conservative play-calling.
Only 1 or 2 plays can be second guessed. The problem was not getting a few more first downs, and not having many drives and plays in the second half. Idaho's drives took considerable time (they screwed themselves).