I will pay $20.00

[mrydel]

or whatever the cost of the luncheon is to anyone who can tell me the answer given as to why we gave them the wind and the ball with a 24 point lead starting the 2nd half. I trust someone did ask the question.

[gallop]

Didn't we get the ball to start the game on the coin flip?

What wasn't asked was what adjustments did Marshall make in the 2nd half and what did SMU not do well to give up so many points?

[mrydel]

Didn't we get the ball to start the game on the coin flip?

What wasn't asked was what adjustments did Marshall make in the 2nd half and what did SMU not do well to give up so many points?

We won the toss and took the ball. 2nd half they had their choice of the ball or the wind. They chose the ball. We chose to go against the wind. In a close game I could see the thought process. But ahead 24 -0, I would think first we take the wind so we can get a deep kick off and hopefully hold them and build up the lead. Instead we are against the wind, kick short, they return it to the 50 and move down and score and the momentum swings. I just think it was a bad decision unless I am missing something.

[gallop]

Maybe i am unclear on this:

Toin coss options: ?

Kick
Receive
Choose Sides
Defer to 2nd half

SMU wins toss in 1st half and receives. 2nd half, Marshall chooses receive and SMU gets to choose which side?

I guess I haven't thought about that too much. I always was thinking the team that receives the ball in the 1st half, kicks off in the 2nd half going the other way.

[mrydel]

You have the same options the 2nd half with the exception of the defer. So yes, Marshall elects to receive and SMU chooses the side.

[Hoop Fan]

the other thing is you can't necessarily count on the wind blowing in the fourth quarter just because it is to start the third. you never know when its going to die down, especially around dusk, so i just find it very odd to give a team the wind and the ball. It basically gives the opponent more possession with the wind if there happens to be an odd number of possessions in the quarter, which will typically average out to 50% of the time.

[Junior]

I guess I haven't thought about that too much. I always was thinking the team that receives the ball in the 1st half, kicks off in the 2nd half going the other way.

I thought the same thing, but I have no reason to doubt mrydel on this one.

[that's great raplh]

Phil Bennet made the call.

[smupony94]

Fear the Stache

[Longtime]

1. If we win the toss, June always chooses the to take the ball first. Always. Doesn't matter the weather conditions or the opponent, i.e. whether it would be better strategy to defer. I guess the guy can't wait to start calling plays for his offense, probably moreso to see what the opponent's defense is going to do. Maybe he figures it's a chance to go up 7-0 on our first possession? I dunno.

2. By choosing to go against the wind in the third quarter, we get the wind in the fourth quarter. If we blow the lead, it would be nice to have the wind on the final drive, especially if we need a long field goal.

[mrydel]

1. If we win the toss, June always chooses the to take the ball first. Always. Doesn't matter the weather conditions or the opponent, i.e. whether it would be better strategy to defer. I guess the guy can't wait to start calling plays for his offense, probably moreso to see what the opponent's defense is going to do. Maybe he figures it's a chance to go up 7-0 on our first possession? I dunno.

2. By choosing to go against the wind in the third quarter, we get the wind in the fourth quarter. If we blow the lead, it would be nice to have the wind on the final drive, especially if we need a long field goal.

Again, in a close game I might agree with #2 but up 24-0 all you accomplish is giving them good field position and a chance to come back quickly, both of which happened.

[ponyboy]

And I'd also like to know why we got all Tom Landry conservative the second half. Play in the second half the same way that got you to 24 points in the first. Coasting almost got us beat.

[ponyte]

We discussed this already and apparently you didn't listen to me.

Obviously, Tulsa is the best team in the conference and we should just give up and let Tulsa represent the Western division. JJ knew it would not be a good thing to hang on to the West only to head to the East team's home field and be embarrassed.

Plus we could save a bundle on travel cost.

JJ just wanted to coast and take a 6-6 team to the Armed Forces Bowl. JJ knew that ECU had the worse defense in the nation so the best way to ensure not winning the West was to lose to Marshall.

Plus we all know JJ is a notorious gambler and he probably had Marshall plus the points and the Over.

Does this mean you buy at our next lunch?

[Bergermeister]

I just think it was a bad decision unless I am missing something.

You are. Think about it. Move on.

[originaloverthehilltop1]

wanting the strong wind at your back in the 4th quarter is probly the answer. mrydel's plan may be better, tho. is this answer worth $20? its got to be better than having no outside contain on an obvious fake punt situation and explaining that with "our contain man took and inside rush and got caught up in traffic." if you are the outside contain man, what are you doing taking an "inside" rush path? still, it was a nice play by them and well executed.