Thoughts after the Weber State game

[Hoof Hearted]

In the NFL the coach rarely passes on any opportunity to put points on the board. A bird in the hand is always better odds than the unknown. Gambling on a 4th down play is usually reserved for those times when there isn't enough time left on the clock and 3 points isn't enough.

Stitt reminds me in a way of Mike Leach with high risk play calling at times in the game when desperation isn't called for. Over time, trick plays make you look like either a genius or a jackass, and the law of averages tends toward the latter.

 

[kemajic]

We were playing our 3rd string qb, and our OL is banged up and struggling (meaning that it was reasonable to think that we might not get many, or any, other scoring opportunities).

It was reasonable to think that these features significantly reduced the probability of converting 4th downs. Even with more experienced QBs, UM is 9th in the BSC in 4th down conversion % (47%) and leads the conf. in turnovers via loss on downs (12). These provide little support for Stitt's decisions.

 

[Ursus1]

You are right, we have no way of knowing how the game was to play out. However, if a coach, fan, or player took the time to break down how the game was being played out, the circumstances, variables, player abilities, in game match up etc at the time when each decision had to be made, the odds were more in favor of kicking the FG's!!!

I respectfully disagree.

In both situations, we were facing 4th and 2, trailing by a TD. One was at the Weber 9 yard line; the other was at the 23. We were playing our 3rd string qb, and our OL is banged up and struggling (meaning that it was reasonable to think that we might not get many, or any, other scoring opportunities). In both situations, a made FG leaves us still needing a TD (which we ended up getting, but it wasn't a given at the time).

I can be objective too - I don't have any particular reason to support Stitt, if I didn't think what he was doing was the best thing for the team. But taking everything into account, I think his calls were reasonable.

and in both situations it was going to take TWO SCORES TO WIN, at least get one of those scores on those trips...it wasn't last possession/hail Mary time

 

[Ursus1]

We were playing our 3rd string qb, and our OL is banged up and struggling (meaning that it was reasonable to think that we might not get many, or any, other scoring opportunities).

It was reasonable to think that these features significantly reduced the probability of converting 4th downs. Even with more experienced QBs, UM is 9th in the BSC in 4th down conversion % (47%) and leads the conf. in turnovers via loss on downs (12). These provide little support for Stitt's decisions.

Thanks for the numbers.....I figured they would be like that but had no proof that he is being bullheaded and stupid, now sugar coaters just try to justify his stupid decisions

 

[AZGrizFan]

You are right, we have no way of knowing how the game was to play out. However, if a coach, fan, or player took the time to break down how the game was being played out, the circumstances, variables, player abilities, in game match up etc at the time when each decision had to be made, the odds were more in favor of kicking the FG's!!!

I respectfully disagree.

In both situations, we were facing 4th and 2, trailing by a TD. One was at the Weber 9 yard line; the other was at the 23. We were playing our 3rd string qb, and our OL is banged up and struggling (meaning that it was reasonable to think that we might not get many, or any, other scoring opportunities). In both situations, a made FG leaves us still needing a TD (which we ended up getting, but it wasn't a given at the time).

I can be objective too - I don't have any particular reason to support Stitt, if I didn't think what he was doing was the best thing for the team. But taking everything into account, I think his calls were reasonable.

Couldn't agree more. If we make one or both of those we're hailing him as a ballsy coach who makes the tough calls. It's a no win situation for him.

 

[AZGrizFan]

You are right, we have no way of knowing how the game was to play out. However, if a coach, fan, or player took the time to break down how the game was being played out, the circumstances, variables, player abilities, in game match up etc at the time when each decision had to be made, the odds were more in favor of kicking the FG's!!!

I respectfully disagree.

In both situations, we were facing 4th and 2, trailing by a TD. One was at the Weber 9 yard line; the other was at the 23. We were playing our 3rd string qb, and our OL is banged up and struggling (meaning that it was reasonable to think that we might not get many, or any, other scoring opportunities). In both situations, a made FG leaves us still needing a TD (which we ended up getting, but it wasn't a given at the time).

I can be objective too - I don't have any particular reason to support Stitt, if I didn't think what he was doing was the best thing for the team. But taking everything into account, I think his calls were reasonable.

Couldn't agree more. If we make one or both of those we're hailing him as a ballsy coach who makes the tough calls. It's a no win situation for him.

 

[nzone]

This is a no brainer..................take the points.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

This is a no brainer..................take the points.

So you would always kick the FG and take the points in the red zone?

 

[Hoof Hearted]

Especially if he doesn't have the talent on the field to pull it off. If a coach finds himself in frequent 4th down situations, that should tell him something right there. A coach shouldn't lose a game because of vanity.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

Especially if he doesn't have the talent on the field to pull it off. If a coach finds himself in frequent 4th down situations, that should tell him something right there. A coach shouldn't lose a game because of vanity.

They are not very good on 3rd down.