http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/aug/11/aztecs-long-consider-fourth-down-gambit/
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SDSU coach Long considering going for it on 4th
- Thread starter MrTitleist
- Start date
OrediggerPoke
Well-known member
I wish we would follow suit. Every statistical analysis ever performed backs up the idea of going for it on fourth. Considering the experience of our kicking game, it would make extremely good sense. Unfortunately, very few college coaches (DC included) will risk playing so outside the 'norm'.
I would guess the spastics to go for it are over whelming in high school but i don't think it would apply at the higher levels. Most high schools don't have quality punters/kickers. At the college or NFL level you have punters who can seriously swing the field position games and kickers who are above 90% accuracy rates.
I hope Long tries it. It would be interesting to see if it could work...
I hope Long tries it. It would be interesting to see if it could work...
OrediggerPoke
Well-known member
Cornpoke said:
Most of the studies were performed as they pertained to NFL kickers/punters and the statistics absolutely show the benefits of going for it on 4th down even with great kickers/punters.
OrediggerPoke said:
The statistics look a little one sided to me. The statistics mentioned in the article only seem to be a small sampling. Let's say for instance we take into account the amount of turnovers a teams defense recovers on the other teams side of the field. I'd say the percentage of scoring after a turnover is also very high. How did the ball get to that position? most likely by punting or kickoff. It also says he doesn't return punts because of the risk of turnover. Well as long as teams continue to return punts, I say keep punting.
Also with the change in kickoff rules a touchback is almost guaranteed in the NFL and college. So onside kicking every time would be create a much larger gap in field position than it points out for high school.
The only statistical sampling i did see for NFL was the amount of times an NFL would mathematically be better off going for it on 4th. That was only 1,068 4th downs in 3 SEASONS it was statistically better to go for it!
he is quoted as saying
There you have it. Only 30 yards net in high school and many times not even that much. In that case, I'd go for it as well. NFL punters are well over 40 yrds net. With the advent of rugby style punting, net yardage for some college teams is 45+!
With the lack of talent on a high school special teams unit I think his system is fantastic. I just don't see it translating to the higher levels with better prepared special teams units.
thirtyseven
Well-known member
Cornpoke said:
Unless you are us the last few years!
hithere
Well-known member
Rocky Long alluding to using gimmicks for offense and special teams is telling. Abel Perez missing so much last year and having a true freshman kicker this year probably doesn't help their confidence.
The only reason they're going to the Big East is for TV anyway. Might as well put on a show while losing to South Florida, UConn, Rutgers and Louisville every year. Tools.
The only reason they're going to the Big East is for TV anyway. Might as well put on a show while losing to South Florida, UConn, Rutgers and Louisville every year. Tools.
kansasCowboy
Well-known member
You know, every single one of you would be booing and calling for a coaching change if we did this and failed to convert giving up great field position.
fromolwyoming
Well-known member
Actually, we did go for it on 4th down on the opponents side of the 50 several times last year. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not.kansasCowboy said:
