[StanFan88]

I'm not buying the "they were on the field too long" argument, either. The Stanford defense was able to take nearly the entire fourth quarter off. It was only the field only about three minutes.

Which is exactly why you try the 50yd FG in regulation.  If you miss, a fresh Stanford defense can be relied upon to keep Utah from moving into FG range with only 1:30 left.  Or you go for the first down.  Punting was the worst option of the three, not a no-brainer.

[StanFan88]

I'm not buying the "they were on the field too long" argument, either. The Stanford defense was able to take nearly the entire fourth quarter off. It was only the field only about three minutes.

Which is exactly why you try the 50yd FG in regulation.  If you miss, a fresh Stanford defense can be relied upon to keep Utah from moving into FG range with only 1:30 left.  Or you go for the first down.  Punting was the worst option of the three, not a no-brainer.