You Make The Call
This was one of my curious playcalling moments of the game. With USC ahead 10-3, the Trojans called a timeout with 59 seconds left in the half to prevent Cal from running out the clock. This was after the Trojans wasted a timeout on a challenge to an officials' decision with 1:43 left.
But after getting the ball in the final minute, USC had Joe McKnight run on two straight plays before Mark Sanchez attempted a pass.
Only SW would be confused since he seems to understand futbol more than football. USC did not want to try and score at that point in time and from their position on the field. So, they ran the ball twice. They got good yardage and decided to take a shot at that point on the last play of the half.
My father explained that to me at one of my first games, because it happens a lot. If SW would take the time to try to improve his comprehension of football instead of futbol, maybe he wouldn't be so confused all the time.
In other words, stick to gossip and leave the actualy questioning of football strategy alone.
AMEN.
I did not know you even called plays for USC. But if you found one of your playcalling moments curious, I'll take your word for it.
As for USC calling timeouts when Cal had the ball at the end of the first half, a couple of thoughts.
Cal could of had a bad snap to the punter or USC could have run back a punt for TD. Also, maybe the staff had 2nd thoughts about a turnover on their side of the field with a small lead.
Clearly, what Scott wants is the team to go into a two minute drill mode, with play calling, aggressiveness, and clock management run like there was a desire to score. Yeah, that would be nice. But this isn't so much about the offensive play calling as it was about the challenge. I think Pete knew he would lose the challenge. But his defense had been out there almost 20 minutes of the half and if nothing else, it was a good time to stop play and regroup. He probably gets more time using a challenge than a time out, and he can't admit it, but that's what he did here. I bet he can get away with that a couple times a season. It probably saved the defense from giving up 3.
The worst play call was the 3rd and 5 around the 10 yard line and Sanchez throws it up to corner of the end zone. SC settles for a field goal. How about a shorter pass that if it doesn't get a TD might get a first down inside the five? SC's red zone offense leaves alot to be desired.