Once again in the online edition of today's Chicago Trib. Teddy Greenstein bemoans Northwestern;s lousy offense and singles out McCall. He does praise the defense. Maybe if the Cats finish last in their division this year Fitz will come to his senses and fire McCall (or is that as likely as a Category 5 hurricane developing on Lake Michigan )
Teddy G opinion
- Thread starter purplebirder
- Start date
Hey maybe teddy will ask him why he went for two point conversion! Wondering when the press conference usually get posted?
Someone did ask. The answer: "We work with some analytics companies."
It must be an exclusive deal, with their advice restricted to NU, as no other college football team in the country would go for two in that situation.
It must be an exclusive deal, with their advice restricted to NU, as no other college football team in the country would go for two in that situation.
The problem with analytics is it might be the correct call statically with a decent offense or a good OC. But calling it twice with two stupid plays calls on the wrong side of the goal line with your third string QB In is ridiculous.
Btw am I the only person that knew we would throw short of the yard marker to end the game? Unreal.
Btw am I the only person that knew we would throw short of the yard marker to end the game? Unreal.
To fair, if Smith puts that ball on the money (it was a tough throw under those circumstances), NU gets the first and then some. Probably a higher percentage converting by going to Lees there than just chucking it into coverage.
There were certainly more questionable play calls/decisions than that one.
Right. As I thought about it was thinking, I bet this is a mathematically justifiable situation in a simulation but one where he is applying sound analytics to a situation the analytics aren’t actually measuring.
Totally agree on there being more questionable calls than that one. It’s Just that I was certain we wouldn’t throw past the marker. It’s so common at NU on third, forth and two point conversions that people think its normal.
Lees tried his best to stay in-bounds nut couldn't control his momentum.
Not defending the call (well maybe I am), but knowing the blitz was coming, and NU wasn't able to slow it all day, I'm guessing they thought Lees in space, although short of the line to gain, was the best option - given that Smith would have limited time to get the pass off.
Not defending the call (well maybe I am), but knowing the blitz was coming, and NU wasn't able to slow it all day, I'm guessing they thought Lees in space, although short of the line to gain, was the best option - given that Smith would have limited time to get the pass off.
If the rationale was working with analytics, does this prove that stats are for losers?
It’s similar to Brewers manager pulling starter Davies after 5 complete innings of 2-hit 1-run baseball (1 walk, no HRs) and only 66 pitches in Coors field last night. Whatever HIS book might say, you gotta be willing to amend it like this: “This is Denver, where batted balls soar and curve balls die, and when a pitcher shows he has THAT scenario figurede out and is going strong he stays IN.” The four guys who trotted in from the bullpen then gave up 10 runs in two innings, throwing 77 pitches. Gadzooks!
Playing against the Badgers D in Madison is comparable. Ignore the analytics and do what your eyes tell you is best if it’s a close call.