All I can say is – Pete Carroll made the right call going for it on 4th down. His defense was never going to stop Vince Young when he had 4 downs to work with (even a moron like Mack Brown would have to call the QB draw at least 1 time out of 3, which was a guaranteed 12+ yards). Period. The only thing you can really question is why he called a pass play on 2nd down – and, of course, the inexplicably stupid calling of his last timeout before Texas’ 2-point play. But going for it on 4th and 2 at the Texas 44? A no-brainer. He had to figure 80% odds they make it, and if so – game over. He certainly didn’t have an 80% chance of stopping Young if he punted, even if their crappy punter (3rd worst net punting in D-1A) put it inside the 10. Mathematically, it’s a clear call.
Of course, it’s easier to second guess the “risky” move, which I fully expect to be the primary occupation of the sports media for the next week or so. But I for one appreciate a coach having the balls not to play it by the book, when the odds favor taking the “risk.”
Anyway, discuss in the comments and feel free to praise the virtues of the “book”, since Texas did ultimately win the game.
