To defer or not??
- Thread starter longtimer
- Start date
I think it is like a batting lineup (our offense) seeing a pitcher (their defense). The more times through the order, the better your chances of figuring things out. They want to see how the D is going to respond to certain formations right away and then get to working solving the puzzle.
HawkeyeHypnosis
Well-Known Member
I remember in the early Kirk years we would almost exclusively take the ball if we won the toss. Then during a stretch it seemed as if we would kick and now the last few seasons, it seems he’s back to taking the ball. Maybe it just seemed that way.
I would rather have them defer. Our defense usually takes one drive to adjust to the game so get it over with. Also, I like getting the kickoff to begin the 2nd half. And if you're lucky, you scored a TD or a FG with under a minute left in the 1st half and that builds real momentum.
I am in the camp that this decision makes absolutely zero difference in the outcome of the game. Each game, you start one half with the ball. If its the first, you get a jump start in figuring out their defensive gameplan. If its the 2nd, you get a jump start in figuring out their halftime adjustments. This is one of those things that people debate and act like it makes a difference, but it is just a bunch of wanking around.
HawkeyeHypnosis
Well-Known Member
It definitely can make a difference. Every decision after the coin toss can leave a mark on a game.
I used to think I had statistical data that would warrant deferring. There's slightly fewer plays in a game after they changed that clock rule a few years back. In theory, enough fewer plays could add up to one less possession. Second half usually has less possessions/plays.
But I still can't see any real practical way to play that out and can think of a jillion other factors that have far greater impact.
Certainly, I think having a less than ideal offense had an impact on some of that deferral stretch.
Frankly, I think playing with a lead is always beneficial. Sure, the other team might have to go a little harder. But I think in college football....going a little harder and trying a little harder....can result in negative results. It's kind of like if I were a third base coach. I would almost ALWAYS send the runner. So many things have to happen. Outfielder has to catch/field the ball. They have to transfer it and make a clean throw to the cut-off man who has to catch/field it. Transfer it and make a throw online to the catcher, who has to catch/field it and apply the tag. That's a lot of things that have to happen right. Also a lot of things that when you throw in a little urgency and duress that will go wrong more often than not.
And if you trust your defense...to lead off the game, why wouldn't you trust (especially a Phil Parker defense) to get the job done coming out of the half?
I was not in your camp.
Am now.
Lovely camp. Orderly. Well laid out. Nice tents. Great fire. Want some more beans Mr. Taggart, sir?
MelroseHawkins
Well-Known Member
He used to take the ball all the time early in his tenure. I actually feel lately (last few yrs) he's been prone to defer more often.
I prefer taking the ball, unless there is a huge wind or weather implications. I like the chance of setting the tone early and maybe controlling the LOS. In addition, it ensures you at least an extra possession. It's always nice to go on a 11-12 play drive to start the game and score. leaving the other team with their first possession with 7:12 on the clock and few offensive drives in the first Q. Have them stand on the sideline for half the first Q.
The 2002 team was notorious for always taking the ball and they almost always scored on the first drive it seems, setting the tone. If you don't feel comfortable taking the ball on the flip, you have more issues with your team than that decision, IMO.
MelroseHawkins
Well-Known Member
Yes, I agree, there is that strategic play that can be controlled with winning the tip.
But there is absolutely no way to predict in advance HOW it will make a difference, so why worry?
Just part of the strategy of a game like going on 4th and 1 from the 50. I guess I like to have my best group out there first and that’s Defense for Iowa. Especially when they are starting a first time QB and the crowd is in a frenzy. Here might be times when weather or other things might change the strategy but I like deferring and getting the ball to start second half. Probably most coaches would agree but Ferentz isn’t one of them
