No, I agree with your thoughts. I was mad going for it from our side of the 50 so early in the game, plus not taking the FG shot. All those misses could have prevented just needing a FG at the end of the game to tie or win instead of a TD + 2 pts.
Is it that simple though? Our offense/special teams gave Memphis the ball at our 18. Our defense held them to a field goal attempt which they missed. The next drive we give them the ball at our 42 after a failed 4th down attempt. I've harped on it but 5 straight 3-and-outs is what our defense did.
We all love to look at yardage. People have pointed at the defense for allowing 526 yards of offense. Meanwhile we put up 653 yards and scored less. Bad offensive execution in key moments is why. What's also interesting is Memphis put up 659 yards on Navy yet lost while Navy had 566 yards. Similar scores too. Yardage isn't everything. I despised the defense last year and the first few weeks of this year. Recently It's been alright. Tackling in space is still bad and we're not forcing turnovers but it's been better. Just need the HC to not be so damn aggressive on offense all the time and put the defense in better situations.
Traditional wisdom is that you can take those type of gambles (going for it on 4th down in your own territory, etc.) if you have a stout defense which you can trust with a short field.
I just don’t see the wisdom in going for it in your territory if it’s more than 4th and 1…maybe 4th and 2 depending on what yard line you’re on. Even you convert, you’re still 50+ yards away from the end zone.
I also don’t agree when we pass up a chip shot field goal to go for it, and that has nothing to do with the defense.
I think EM is just a gunslinger who has confidence in his offense (his play-calling ability) so he just pushes the pile of money to the center. Generally, I don’t think it has anything to with the defense, but I think his lack of trust in the defense is why he called the onside kick with over 2 minutes left in the game.
I’ve said all that, but now I’ll add: you could very well be correct.
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