Before anyone yells at me what an idiot I am for suggesting they should have gone for it on 4th and 1 from their own 20 late in the game, let me say that I understand all the conventional football wisdom says to punt because if you fail you’re basically giving the opponents at least a FG which, in a low scoring game this late could be fatal. But I also believe exceptions exist for almost every rule and this was one of those times why I didn’t agree with the decision Day made to point.
My rationales being:
1. The defense was fucking gassed from the last series where Sawyer saved a probably UM touchdown with his pick, as well as an overall taxing game where ever repeatedly had rise up and make big stops. Asking them to do it again so soon after their most recent stand was playing with fire.
2. Despite the great play of the OSU defense, UM had not been totally unsuccessful in moving the ball down the field. They had 2 long drives which died inside the 5 by Sawyer’s pick and a failed 4 and 1 try. The idea they could drive the 40 or so yards to give them a chip shot FG with little time left was not far fetched by any means.
3. Even if UM scores a FG or a TD on a failed 4th down attempt from the 20, it most likely leaves at least 4 and maybe even 5 minutes on the clock for OSU to respond. In contrast, if OSU punts, it leads to UM possibly grinding out 40-50 yards and burning 6+ minutes of clock before scoring…..which is exactly what happened.
And, most damningly, 4: Coach “Were so tough” Day has always pleaded for people to believe that, when the chips are down, his team are some of the toughest mother fuckers going. Well, this was your chance to prove it. 1 play, one fucking yard to keep the drive alive and possibly go down the field to end this thing………..What could be tougher than that?
Instead Day decided “Well, maybe we aren’t that tough after all” and put it on his defense to, once again, try and save his ass only for the clock to strike midnight.
He played not to lose. Not the sign of a top level coach.
