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I was reading something else and Paul Johnson's name came up so I thought I would mention it. There is a new theory in football that is quietly gaining steam: Don't punt. One of the disciples of this theory is ESPN Page 2's Greg Easterbrook, who likes to point out 4th down conversion stats and punting stats ad nauseum. In an email someone sent him, Paul Johnson's name came up.

Navy went for it on 4th down 26 times in 2007, 7th most in the NCAA. Navy converted on 4th down 69% of the time.

Navy punted 21 times in 2007, 1.75 times a game. I believe the next fewest was 3.67 punts per game.

Correction: Texas Tech punted 26 times (2.16 punts per game); Hawaii 32 times (2.67 punts per game, Florida 34 times (2.83 punts per game).

Blogger,

are you hearing anything more about PJ or is he basically a lock to go to GT or Duke??

I can't wait to read all the replies to this one about how this is even more proof that PJ is not a good fit for SMU. That system would never work here. SMU never converts on 4th down!

Insane_Pony_Posse wrote:wonder how our fantastic punter likes that theory?

Maybe it is like Paul Johnson's passing argument. Johnson would punt more if he had a better punter.

There is also the theory that instead of an extra point that you should go for 2 points.

I like both.

Soaring Eagle wrote:There is also the theory that instead of an extra point that you should go for 2 points.

I like both.

Once again, that system would never work at SMU. We are never successful on a 2-pt conversion try.

SMU Football Blog wrote:

Insane_Pony_Posse wrote:wonder how our fantastic punter likes that theory?

Maybe it is like Paul Johnson's passing argument. Johnson would punt more if he had a better punter.

B+

I seriously hope Orsini can somehow convince PJ to come here and that we can pay him the big bucks. We need this guy!