If PSU wins the toss Saturday evening, I hope we defer to second half ...

[PSUFBFAN]

I know there have been a couple of times this year where we have won the toss and elected to take the ball. It's the whole thing about starting fast, being aggressive, etc.. If this were against IN, Rutgers, or MSU, I might agree. But for this game, I want to go back to the traditional choice to receive the second half kick-off. Why?

If we send our defense out first, I think our chances of stopping Iowa and making them punt before they drive 75-80 yards for a score are MUCH GREATER than us taking the ball and driving 75-80 yards against their defense on that first possession. Iowa is not particularly explosive on offense and we are back to full strength on defense. If we stop them and get the ball and then drive for a score, we send just as strong a message as if we had scored on the first possession.

Even more importantly, I want the ball to start the second half. On paper, this is very likely to be a close game at the half (+/-7 points). I want us going into the half knowing we get the ball to start the second half and if we are down by 7+/-, giving us the opportunity to "get back in the game" on the first possession. Better yet, if we are up by 7+/-, it gives us the mindset of really putting them in a hole and maybe breaking the game open early in the second half.

I would prefer to not see Iowa start the second half with the ball if we can avoid it.

 

[bjf1991]

I know there have been a couple of times this year where we have won the toss and elected to take the ball. It's the whole thing about starting fast, being aggressive, etc.. If this were against IN, Rutgers, or MSU, I might agree. But for this game, I want to go back to the traditional choice to receive the second half kick-off. Why?

If we send our defense out first, I think our chances of stopping Iowa and making them punt before they drive 75-80 yards for a score are MUCH GREATER than us taking the ball and driving 75-80 yards against their defense on that first possession. Iowa is not particularly explosive on offense and we are back to full strength on defense. If we stop them and get the ball and then drive for a score, we send just as strong a message as if we had scored on the first possession.

Even more importantly, I want the ball to start the second half. On paper, this is very likely to be a close game at the half (+/-7 points). I want us going into the half knowing we get the ball to start the second half and if we are down by 7+/-, giving us the opportunity to "get back in the game" on the first possession. Better yet, if we are up by 7+/-, it gives us the mindset of really putting them in a hole and maybe breaking the game open early in the second half.

I would prefer to not see Iowa start the second half with the ball if we can avoid it.

You raise some valid points, but:

If they do - I am pretty sure it would be the first time all year

CJF clearly likes the idea of getting the O on the field first, running their plan, and trying to establish the early lead
FWIW - I think the last 3 games have resulted in first drives of TDs twice, plus a real nice drive against OSU that ended in the blocked FG.......so I doubt he'd change philosophies now

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

He did the same thing against tosu....seems to be his MO this year. That said, I agree with the OP...I always want the ball right after halftime. In addition to being able to adjust at the half, there is sometimes the opportunity to have back-to-back possessions (end of 1st & beginning of 2nd) and thus back-to-back scores.

 

[getmyjive11]

I always like deferring. We are a 2nd half team this year, so it would make sense to take the ball then instead of at the start of the game.

 

[krichards]

While I like getting the ball to start the second half, the way our D usually plays in the first half, I'm not sure I want them to have an "extra" series. I'll leave that up to the coaches and then complain if it doesn't work out to my liking.

 

[klive]

I'm superstitious with this kind of stuff, so whatever they have been doing, keep doing it.

 

[Nitwit]

Take the ball and score first. I like them playing with a lead. Make a statement and stay aggressive.

 

[indynittany]

I know there have been a couple of times this year where we have won the toss and elected to take the ball. It's the whole thing about starting fast, being aggressive, etc.. If this were against IN, Rutgers, or MSU, I might agree. But for this game, I want to go back to the traditional choice to receive the second half kick-off. Why?

If we send our defense out first, I think our chances of stopping Iowa and making them punt before they drive 75-80 yards for a score are MUCH GREATER than us taking the ball and driving 75-80 yards against their defense on that first possession. Iowa is not particularly explosive on offense and we are back to full strength on defense. If we stop them and get the ball and then drive for a score, we send just as strong a message as if we had scored on the first possession.

Even more importantly, I want the ball to start the second half. On paper, this is very likely to be a close game at the half (+/-7 points). I want us going into the half knowing we get the ball to start the second half and if we are down by 7+/-, giving us the opportunity to "get back in the game" on the first possession. Better yet, if we are up by 7+/-, it gives us the mindset of really putting them in a hole and maybe breaking the game open early in the second half.

I would prefer to not see Iowa start the second half with the ball if we can avoid it.

I'll add that by starting on defense, you engage the crowd from the opening kick off. Let them start loud and stay loud!

 

[Frabjous]

I hope that Penn State plays the second half first.

 

[TheGLOV]

I know there have been a couple of times this year where we have won the toss and elected to take the ball. It's the whole thing about starting fast, being aggressive, etc.. If this were against IN, Rutgers, or MSU, I might agree. But for this game, I want to go back to the traditional choice to receive the second half kick-off. Why?

If we send our defense out first, I think our chances of stopping Iowa and making them punt before they drive 75-80 yards for a score are MUCH GREATER than us taking the ball and driving 75-80 yards against their defense on that first possession. Iowa is not particularly explosive on offense and we are back to full strength on defense. If we stop them and get the ball and then drive for a score, we send just as strong a message as if we had scored on the first possession.

Even more importantly, I want the ball to start the second half. On paper, this is very likely to be a close game at the half (+/-7 points). I want us going into the half knowing we get the ball to start the second half and if we are down by 7+/-, giving us the opportunity to "get back in the game" on the first possession. Better yet, if we are up by 7+/-, it gives us the mindset of really putting them in a hole and maybe breaking the game open early in the second half.

I would prefer to not see Iowa start the second half with the ball if we can avoid it.

Absolutely NOT!!!

It is sooooo refreshing to win the toss and march down the field and score!!

Those days of old are gone and happily so.

 

[TheGLOV]

I'll add that by starting on defense, you engage the crowd from the opening kick off. Let them start loud and stay loud!

Wrong!

 

[TheGLOV]

Take the ball and score first. I like them playing with a lead. Make a statement and stay aggressive.

YES! YOU get it!!!

 

[TheGLOV]

I always like deferring. We are a 2nd half team this year, so it would make sense to take the ball then instead of at the start of the game.

Wrong sir!

So very wrong!!

 

[21Guns]

This ain't 1975.

Take the ball and start winning from opening kickoff. Period.