The No. 5 Washington Huskies just lost 13-7 at Arizona State to become the fourth top-10 team to lose this weekend. And, the Huskies can’t say they didn’t have their scoring chances.
With just over eight minutes to go in the third quarter, Washington freshman kicker Van Soderberg tried a 27-yard field goal, and missed:
And with just over a minute to go in the third quarter, the Huskies ran on 3rd-and-5 — which is questionable in itself — to end up about a yard and a half shy of the first-down marker… which was at the two-yard line.
Still trailing by 13 points, this is a situation SCREAMING to go for it, as ESPN’s Greg McElroy explained.
But, Washington head coach Chris Petersen chose to go for the 21-yard field goal instead, and Soderberg again missed:
This is just an alarmingly asinine decision from Petersen, for so many reasons. Such as…
1. The kicker literally just missed a 27-yard field goal in the same quarter. So, even though this 21-yarder isn’t much different than an extra-point, clearly this range isn’t a gimme for the freshman kicker anyway.
2. Even if you make the field goal, you’re still down two scores (10 points) with just a quarter to go! You entered the play needing two scores, and you’d still need two scores. Your win probability is not a large increase with that field goal, especially with such little time left. But if you score a touchdown, that significantly improves your chances.
3. If you go for it and don’t get the first down (or touchdown), there’s still a good chance you get at least those three points in the ensuing minutes. Arizona State would be backed up inside their own five-yard line. Maybe you get a safety and the ball back. Maybe you force a turnover which could result in a touchdown or at least give you great field position. Maybe you force a three-and-out and they have to punt, and you’re quickly back in scoring position anyway. So many positive things can still come from this, even if you don’t get the first down.
4. It’s just a yard and a half, and you’re the far more talented team. Go win a game and stop playing scared.
5. This one is more for every coach in the country: STOP LEAVING GAMES UP TO COLLEGE KICKERS, ESPECIALLY FRESHMEN.
[ESPN]
