Saturday, October 02, 2010

BG Missed More than a FG

It is a cliche to say that it was not just a FG that lost today's game. In this case, it is a cliche with the backing of truth.  True, we certainly had some special teams issues.  But, no segment of our team played the way they should for four full quarters or maybe even two.  It was a very poorly played game on both sides, with a ridiculous number of turnovers and personal fouls.  BG was never in sync on offense, and the defense did not play well until the 3rd Quarter, when they did put up a pretty strong series of stands, especially given the amount of time they spent on the field.

There were two coaching calls that will be on everyone's mind.

The first one was going for 2 when BG was down 9.  The most normal approach is to kick the extra point and "keep yourself in the game" and try for the 2 pointer if you score again.  I haven't listened to Coach's presser, but I'm guessing he said that if you need two scores, it is better to know it then to leave it for the end and not have any back up.

You could go around and around on it.  If we make it, and then score and kick the second one, then the game is tied, and who knows what happens when Buffalo has the ball on that final possession.  The larger concerns are the fact we didn't hit the 2 pointer and missed that first xp in the first place.

The other one will be the decision to settle for the FG attempt rather than trying to get it closer or in the end zone.  Certainly, we have struggled on FGs, being 3-7 for the season with a long of 27.  You could certainly make an argument that you need to maybe throw some screens or something and try to get closer or maybe break a score.

On the other hand, we had not been moving the ball effectively for the game.  On our previous drie, our best play had been a personal foul against Buffalo.  If we throw a pick or get an INT, everyone is going to be screaming at Clawson for taking those kinds of risks.  If he gets sacked, (as he had on the previous drive), then you are even farther back.

Not saying that one was better than the other, just that there is a lot to weigh into it.

From the way he hit it, I was certain he had it.  It just looked good off the foot.  Sigh.

More later....

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