going for 2 at UAB

[SMU Football Blog]

There is a certain logic to "not knowing what you need until you need it." Basically, you don't know if you need six, seven or eight points to get a win. With that in mind, you would not go for two until you need to go for two. One thing people forget is there were thirteen minutes left. That is more than enough time for UAB to put two decent drives together and score two field goals. If Bennett had gone for two and failed, two fieldgoals would have (seemingly) won the game as opposed to tying the game. If that had happened, there would also be some second-guessing.

Basically, this is Dale Hansen's argument every time it happens. You don't go for two unless you NEED to go for two. I haven't been a big fan of that argument, but it has grown on me over time. I have seen too many coaches lose or come close to losing by going for two early in games. That is why I go back and fourth on going for two in that situation. Still, I probably lean towards going for two in that situation in the 4th quarter.

[Hoop Fan]

whenever Phil Bennett says so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm kidding. Long live Nacho.

[Nacho]

Obviously he has thrown away the chart or makes his own interpretation of it willy nilly.

[Hoop Fan]

actually, the two field goal scenario that Blog suggested was first to cross my mind, the way our defense constantly bends but many times doesn't break...at least early in the game.

[Nacho]

These charts are not made by Moe and Curly throwing pies at each other. Some real thought and computer analysis goes into them. Betting against the odds will catch up with you sooner or later. This will come up again this season. It will be interesting to see what Bennett does.

[Hoop Fan]

These charts are not made by Moe and Curly throwing pies at each other. Some real thought and computer analysis goes into them. Betting against the odds will catch up with you sooner or later. This will come up again this season. It will be interesting to see what Bennett does.

I didn't say they were, but there's also a reason they are relied upon more in the NFL. Tell me how you can rely on a chart that is predicated on an "average" conversion rate and how that means anything to a team like SMU who is a 21 point underdog on the road and is routinely overmatched physically in the trenches. Is there a weak sister chart floating around? One that considers and handicaps a weaker team's chance of scoring from the 2 yard line and stopping the other team from doing so.

[Dooby]

Blog is right. Being up two means nothing; being up four or five means nothing. Being up six means something and six points is easy to get. If we went for two and failed and lost by a point, I would have been ticked.

[Treadway21]

I am with Blog and HF, hit the extra point and they must score two field goals to guarantee a tie or a field goal and a td to get a win. That puts the pressure on UAB and should have been more difficult than it was to accomplish. A missed two point conversion (a moot point by the fact SMU missed the extra point anyway) gives UAB the opportunity to win with two field goals, a much easier task. We would really be kicking the coach if that senario had happened.

[feelan]

wow, 2 pages of debate on a subject that ended up having no bearing on a game we won, and 3 days before we have another game. is there nothing else worth talking about for the upcoming game?

[Nacho]

SMU 2 Point Conversion Chart

Never do this.

[Crong]

this is refreshing compared to the usual thread concerning who mishandled the department more.

[lugus830]

I just think it is humorous that when wins have been few and far between the last couple of years, that when we do win we have to pick it apart to see how we might have lost.

Valid discussion. I am guilty as well. I just find it a bit humorous.