The Devil, Mike Leach and 4th Downs

by Seth C on Oct 15, 2008 6:33 AM CDT in Football Comment 6 comments

The Austin American Stateman's Randy Riggs writes about Texas Tech's 4th down philosophy and punting habits (there aren't any). First things first, Captain Leach loves his punter:

"We've got a good one," he said. "He can really launch it. He'll hit some in practice that are just amazing."

Leach also explains his decision making process on when to punt and when to go for it on 4th down, seems pretty simple:

"There's always an internal debate. The devil guy here, the angel guy here," Leach said, gesturing toward each shoulder. "The devil guy went over and popped the angel guy, so we went from there."
Actually, there's more that goes into Leach's decision than the devil made him do it.

He says he weighs the benefit of making the fourth-down conversion vs. the risk of not making it. He gauges the amount of yardage that might be lost if Tech is unsuccessful against what happens if a punt sails into the end zone for a touchback.

"The easy response is, 'If you think you can make it, do it,' " he said. "The more complicated question is, 'What makes you think you can make it?' "

Is there ever a time that Leach really asks himself this question, or does he just always assume the answer is "yes"? I'm thinking it's the latter.

This is just about right (emphasis mine):

"It's a gamble, but everything's a gamble out there to some degree," he said. "A lot of it depends on how good a feel you have for what the other guy is doing. Basically, you just try to oddball it and see if you can make it."

Here's video of the entire exchange, via KAMC, along with some nice editing and stay tuned as Leach marvels at the number of left handed individuals at the press conference.

There's also some entertaining video of Leach, C Stephen Hamby and WR Eric Morris talking about the 4th and 4 of Nebraska, thanks to Fox34.

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I am sure everyone is tired

of me repeating the same thing over and over again, but conventional wisdom and paradigm can’t be overcome without persistence.

The entire idea that one would need a devil on the shoulder to argue in favor of going for it on 4th and 5 from one’s own 36 begs the question: What’s so great about punting in that situation, and why is that the better strategy? Without even getting into the unique situation of Texas Tech, why should the average team punt the ball under those circumstances? Does the available empirical evidence support that call?

These questions never seem to get answered by “conventional wisdom” or its defenders. I think we all agree that Mike Leach is a great coach and we all think the world of him, and not because he’s so beholden to “convention.” Right?

Go register. Or else.

by Skin Patrol on Oct 15, 2008 6:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Persistence is good

It’s just fear of the unknown, but Leach is quickly convincing me that it’s the right thing to do. It’s kind of like riding a roller coaster for the first time. It looks really intimidating, but you’re not real sure how it’s going to turn out (i.e., will I get sick and throw up in my date’s lap). However, once you’ve done it and you understand the consequences, which I think Leach does, then it becomes more and more tolerable the more often you do it. At some point, riding a roller coaster has little to no intimidating factor.

Go Raiders . . .

by Seth C on Oct 15, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

8 of 13

Thats the number of 4th down makes off of attempts. Out of those 13, 3 were inside the 30 of their own side of the field. Take those 3 out, it would be 8 of 10, not bad percentage wise. Yes, I too believe that call in the KSU game to go for it within their own 30 was a boneheaded call to make….. mainly because of the formation they were in…. shotgun. Whats up with that?? Go down the middle with Batch behind the biggest OL in the country. The other 2 calls, were in the Nevada game…. very grateful, only FG’s came out of those two. Other than those 3, 80% of 4th downs made….. I stand behind Leach when he decides to go for it…. as long as its not on Tech’s side of the Field.

by txt3ch6uy on Oct 15, 2008 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not upset the call to go for fourth

I never really get upset with Leach about the idea of going for it on 4th because as we have seen it does pay off more than not.

The only issue I jhave is in a pressure filled down lilke that, be more aggressive on the play call. We are the best passing team in the nation for a reason. THROW THE DAMN BALL. I know everyone has enjoyed the rise of a Tech run game, but our fascination with this developing weapon of the offense cannot overshadow what we are good at.

Yea it’s nice that we have a run game that makes defenses stay home which then helps oout the pass game, but when it comes to a do-or-die play, go with what we do best. No more of the Woods stretch runs or Bacth screens or middle screens. Line up and have your guys run a play they know in fhtier sleep and let the offense truly go wild.

by mtepper on Oct 15, 2008 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

4th down

i think its funny

Is there ever a time that Leach really asks himself this question, or does he just always assume the answer is “yes”? I’m thinking it’s the latter.

Does this not just show how much confidence Leach has in his offense… Is that not a good thing?

If you not having fun....then your not playing the game right.

by texastfan on Oct 15, 2008 1:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tech showed no ability to stop Nebraska’s offense last week, why not go for it on 4th? At least if you fail to make the 1st down, Nebraska scores quickly and you get a longer time to come back and tie it.

I’m not saying Leach can’t trust his defense (although I’m not convinced he can), I’m saying it would have been wrong to trust his defense during last Saturday’s game. Going for it on 4th from the 35 was the correct decision. Even the angel should have been telling him that against Nebraska.

by boar_amour on Oct 15, 2008 2:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs