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BGonline.org Forums
OT -- Weekend Football Observations -- Long
Posted By: Bill Riles In Response To: OT -- Weekend Football Observations -- Long (Joe Russell)
Date: Tuesday, 26 October 2010, at 1:33 p.m.
Certainly, by going for two early, Oklahoma knows where they stand, what they have to do, and the strategy they'll have to employ to accomplish the objective.
However, what you and so many more overlook, or discount, is that Missouri also knows where they stand. As Missouri, I play entirely differently leading by two scores rather than by a single touchdown. If ahead by nine, Missouri will likely be the beneficiary of an onside kick (as they were) and have fairly good field position in the midfield area (as they did). Missouri can play conservatively, burning time and Oklahoma timeouts, and punt, if necessary -- giving Oklahoma extremely poor field position (exactly what happened).
If ahead by eight, Missouri will likely receive a long kickoff and have to move the ball a bit or likely punt from their 20-30 yard line giving Oklahoma the ball at their 30-40 yard line with them only needing a single touchdown to put a tie game on the line. So, in addition to burning time and trying to make Oklahoma use timeouts, Missouri also has to try to make a first down.
Further, the psychological effect on a team leading by a single score, contrasted to that of a team leading by two scores, is pronounced. Players are tighter, knowing that a single error or mistake could cost them the lead.
My point through all of these discussions is that one cannot analyze the situation strictly from Oklahoma's perspective, Missouri also has a definitive role, and their strategy/performance is directly related to Oklahoma's choices, and consequent success or failure.
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