[AtlantaBadger]

[quote author=doug link=topic=11130.msg105436#msg105436 date=1416247734]Based on watching Shaw's teams play, Shaw is relentlessly risk-averse.

Because that 4th down conversion on our opening drive was definitely the risk-averse thing to do.  ::)

You can debate going for that FG, but I think it's at the very least a 50-50 decision. Williamson isn't exactly rock solid, even though he hit that same distance in OT it was still his career-long and you have to figure it's <50% chance to make it (hell, most NFL kickers are hardly automatic at 51). If he misses, which is likely, Utah just needs two first downs to get into their kicker's range, and he's going to be in the NFL some day. I can totally understand why Shaw punted there, since given the way our defense was playing you had to think:

1) Utah was never scoring after the punt.
2) We had a good shot of getting the ball back.
3) We had a very good shot in OT.

If we win in OT I don't think anyone is questioning that decision because it's just not a clearly bad call.
[/quote]

Your #1 is undoubtedly true. 

But even though #2 is also true (and it did happen), the genius offensive coaching staff screwed the pooch there by burning a timeout on third down to come up with an unsuccessful third down play, so we only had two timeouts left, ensuring that while we indeed did get the ball back, we had only around 30 seconds (and NO timeouts) for our juggernaut offense to orchestrate a scoring drive.  Given our performance not only in the game so far but all season, that is a highly questionable proposition.

Finally, your #3 is demonstrably at odds with reality.    If ever there was a team NOT built for overtime, it is this Stanford offense.  We are 127th out of 128 in red zone scoring efficiency in the entire FBS.  Giving us the ball on the 25-yard line is a recipe for disaster, not success.  How can anyone, especially our coaches, think that just getting to OT was the right strategy?  If Shaw "trusts his defense" then try the FG and if we miss, trust the D to stop Utah from getting in FG range.  He needed to channel Herm Edwards there, but did not.  "You play to win the game."

[AtlantaBadger]

[quote author=doug link=topic=11130.msg105436#msg105436 date=1416247734]Based on watching Shaw's teams play, Shaw is relentlessly risk-averse.

Because that 4th down conversion on our opening drive was definitely the risk-averse thing to do.  ::)

You can debate going for that FG, but I think it's at the very least a 50-50 decision. Williamson isn't exactly rock solid, even though he hit that same distance in OT it was still his career-long and you have to figure it's <50% chance to make it (hell, most NFL kickers are hardly automatic at 51). If he misses, which is likely, Utah just needs two first downs to get into their kicker's range, and he's going to be in the NFL some day. I can totally understand why Shaw punted there, since given the way our defense was playing you had to think:

1) Utah was never scoring after the punt.
2) We had a good shot of getting the ball back.
3) We had a very good shot in OT.

If we win in OT I don't think anyone is questioning that decision because it's just not a clearly bad call.
[/quote]

Your #1 is undoubtedly true. 

But even though #2 is also true (and it did happen), the genius offensive coaching staff screwed the pooch there by burning a timeout on third down to come up with an unsuccessful third down play, so we only had two timeouts left, ensuring that while we indeed did get the ball back, we had only around 30 seconds (and NO timeouts) for our juggernaut offense to orchestrate a scoring drive.  Given our performance not only in the game so far but all season, that is a highly questionable proposition.

Finally, your #3 is demonstrably at odds with reality.    If ever there was a team NOT built for overtime, it is this Stanford offense.  We are 127th out of 128 in red zone scoring efficiency in the entire FBS.  Giving us the ball on the 25-yard line is a recipe for disaster, not success.  How can anyone, especially our coaches, think that just getting to OT was the right strategy?  If Shaw "trusts his defense" then try the FG and if we miss, trust the D to stop Utah from getting in FG range.  He needed to channel Herm Edwards there, but did not.  "You play to win the game."