Going for it on 4th down

[Gitzit]

I really hope Franklin doesn't start taking chances like he always does, it could cost him in this type game. I know some of you will throw up statistics on why you should, but I think it is a mistake to go for it from anywhere except their 40 yard line or in. Except in a must score type scenario of course. Paterno and many other great coaches played for field position in these type games. I just have this feeling Franklin could to lose this game by taking unnecessary chances, giving them a short field.

 

[bdgan]

I really hope Franklin doesn't start taking chances like he always does, it could cost him in this type game. I know some of you will throw up statistics on why you should, but I think it is a mistake to go for it from anywhere except their 40 yard line or in. Except in a must win type scenario of course. Paterno and many other great coaches played for field position in these type games. I just have this feeling Franklin could to lose this game by taking unnecessary chances, giving them a short field.

Iowa has a mediocre offense that scores when they get good field position due to turnovers. I'd say punt and try to pin them down deep near their own end zone.

P.S. I think Franklin went for it against Indiana near the goal line because he thought we needed to learn how to get it done. I assume he would do the same against Iowa but not on a straight run between the tackles.

 

[BobPSU92]

No yards and a cloud of dust.

 

[okinburg1]

No yards and a cloud of dust.

Cloud of black pellets.
Fixed it for ya

 

[lazydave841]

I really hope Franklin doesn't start taking chances like he always does, it could cost him in this type game. I know some of you will throw up statistics on why you should, but I think it is a mistake to go for it from anywhere except their 40 yard line or in. Except in a must score type scenario of course. Paterno and many other great coaches played for field position in these type games. I just have this feeling Franklin could to lose this game by taking unnecessary chances, giving them a short field.

JF has 4 wins over Iowa. He's coached us through 3 games with them decided by 6 pts or less. You probably won't see any uber aggressive calls at our 37 yard line, but if the situation calls, he just might.

 

[AWS1022]

My guess is he will actually watch game films and look for tendencies that he might be able to exploit on a fourth and short….I know, tough to imagine the coaches actually do research before they make decisions

 

[blion72]

I really hope Franklin doesn't start taking chances like he always does, it could cost him in this type game. I know some of you will throw up statistics on why you should, but I think it is a mistake to go for it from anywhere except their 40 yard line or in. Except in a must score type scenario of course. Paterno and many other great coaches played for field position in these type games. I just have this feeling Franklin could to lose this game by taking unnecessary chances, giving them a short field.

Agree. No odds would suggest this is a good idea in a game like this where 3 pts could be difference. play field position focus.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

Going to be pretty windy today at Iowa - I would assume the long field goals will be out of the question. The punt/go for it situation will be interesting to see play out.

 

[Nitt1300]

I think that unless James knows something about our short yardage power running game (like we now have one) that we don't, it's not likely that he'll take a lot of chances today

 

[blion72]

I think that unless James knows something about our short yardage power running game (like we now have one) that we don't, it's not likely that he'll take a lot of chances today

I hope that you are correct. in a tough low scoring game, that type of mistake can cost a game. We gave Auburn 3 pts on the first series with that type of play. I do not think there are any "analytics" that will show that in a low scoring game this is a good idea.

Along the same line, I hope there is recognition when NOT to be too aggressive. We have seen situations where we have the ball around our 10 yd line and a minute left in the half and the other guys have 2 TO's, In a tough low scoring game, you run the ball 3 times, avoid any clock stoppage and get to the half. You do not want to punt or give the other guys a chance to have the ball. To pass the ball has very low odds of ending the drive with any type of score. Being aggressive there will more likely cost our team points than get us points. Moneyball says run the clock out.