Hindsight's 20/20: Kicking the Field Goal on 4th and 2
by Ben Broman on Sep 20, 2009 12:06 PM EDT
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This has been a huge topic of discussion lately, as it was one of the very many strange coaching decisions that determined the outcome of the game.
The situation, for those who don't remember, is this: 4th and 2, ball on the MTSU 25, 1:35 on the clock, Terps up by 2. There were two options at this point: trot out Nick Ferrara, a true freshman kicker who had just squeaked a kick of the exact same distance past the crossbar by about a yard and had a kick blocked earlier, to attempt a long, pressure-packed FG, or try to convert the long 2 yards, risking not getting it and keeping the lead less than 3 points.
There are pros and cons to both choices. If Ferrara goes out to attempt the field goal, the biggest plus is that, if he makes it, the lead is increases to 5, meaning MTSU would need a TD to win.
The negative would be that Ferrara had a FG blocked earlier, made a FG from the same distance just minutes earlier by about ten inches, and would be faced with making a big, pressure-filled kick; while he made the JMU FG earlier, that was little more than extra point and barely slid inside the left upright. If it's a miss - and honestly, that seemed likely - MTSU only needs a FG to win. Even if it's made, MTSU is still a TD away from a win, and would have at least 1:10 left with the ball in about the same spot.
As for going for it, the positive is that the game is not in the hands (er...feet) of a true freshman kicker. If they don't get it, then MTSU needs a FG with about 1:30 left...also known as exactly what happened anyway. Not getting might've been a probability - Davin Meggett hadn't been having his best day, and the offensive line is less than impressive - so I understand the concern. That said, if they convert, the game is 100%, stick-a-fork-in-it over. Meggett was averaging 2.8 yards per carry, so it's not inconceivable that he could've gotten it. He actually had been looking his best on that drive, as had the offensive line.
In short, it comes down to who you trust more: the freshman kicker or the inexperienced offensive line. At the time, I was undecided. I wanted to think Ferrara could nail the kick, but he hadn't been looking good up to that point. I also realized that, even if he makes it, the game isn't over anyway. But I didn't feel too much resistance to Friedgen's decision at the time; it's a tough decision to make without a lot of time to do it. In hindsight, having had several hours to think it over, it was probably the wrong decision.
What say you?
(P.S. - I realize it was MTSU. This game never should've come down to a decision on whether to kick it or go for it on 4th and 2. But I'm going to talk about it anyway.)
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FWIW, the same thing just happened to the Redskins
4th and 1, ball on the 5, up by 2. They went for it. Didn’t get it. Rams have no TOs, will get the ball on the 5.
Similar, not same. If anything, it’s much ballsier.
by Ben Broman on Sep 20, 2009 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I abstain
As you pointed out, it’s a tough call and there are pros and cons to each decision. In hindsight, he probably should have went for it, but at the time I was undecided, as well. I have a hard time criticizing Ralph for the call. The reason we’re 1-2 is not because of Friedgen’s gametime decision making IMO.
by Ben Goldstein on Sep 20, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
give the ball to Scott
It’s Monday morning QBing for sure, but I would have gone for it and given the ball to Scott, not Meggett. That would have given Scott a chance to redeem himself and let him know the coaches still had confidence in him. Moreover, it would have shown confidence in the offense. Now Scott, a talented runner, has to sit around and wonder where he stands. Then again, maybe he already knows. Fridge’s post game comments on Scott were immature, counter productive and over the top for college football. You don’t need to add salt to Scott’s wounds. Holding grudges against players is not coaching. Football players make mistakes. We all do. The last thing Maryland players need is to be worried about making mistakes. Now that is all but assured. It might be worth mentioing he did not hold the same standard to other players, including Turner. I can’t imagine the team rallying after post game comments like that and I feel for Scott.
Back to the point: Putting it on a freshman Kicker in a situation where you can still lose doesn’t make a lot of sense. A 42 yarder was not an automatic. But really, the 1st down blind roll out that led to Turner being sacked was the game changer. With 2:30 to go, you just run the ball. How hard is that? After playing conservative for the last three years, that was not the time to get cute.
I think one could argue that the coaching staff lost this game. But you didn’t hear that from Fridge. The blame game and a lot of hot air was what we heard.
by Go Terps on Sep 20, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It comes down to whether Friegen had more confidence in his offense or his defense. The way the defense was playing in the fourth quarter, surrendering yards and points, he really must not have had any faith in picking up two yards with that offensive line.
To make matters worse, kicking the field goal probably would still have lost the game. MTSU had time to spare while they lined up for their kick. There were a good 30 seconds that they purposefully bled down to 2 seconds before they spent a down with a spiked ball. In other words, given two more downs and 30 seconds, does anyone think they wouldn’t have scored a TD from the 5?
by scryber on Sep 20, 2009 11:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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