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?
