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Perspective on 2 point conversions

RaceBannon
RaceBannon Member, Moderator, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 113,874 Founders Club
edited September 2016 in College Football Forum
I have been a Duck fan for a very long time. For me, Duck football doesn't start or end with Chip Kelly as appears to be the case for some here. My long history of being a fan of the Ducks gives me some perspective that I think is lacking for some on this board. I wasn't panicking in 2009 when we lost to BSU or 2011 when we lost to LSU, despite how horrendous those Chip Kelly coached losses were. I wasn't calling for Chip's head after the NC loss, despite that his questionable calls likely cost the NC. So I'm certainly not going to panic and call for MH's head after this loss to Nebraska.

Here's some perspective.

Vegas pegged the Ducks as 3.5 point underdogs and the over/under at 73.5 points. The Ducks lost by 3 points (beat the spread) and the over/under was 67 points. Thus, at least in the eyes of Vegas, the Ducks outperformed expectations. Especially given the injuries during the game. Vegas is not the end all or be all, but it is a reference which can provide some perspective that's lacking when all you have to go on to compare teams is poll rankings, which are often lousy, especially early in the year.

Not surprisingly, we see spoiled and whiney fans freaking out at the loss. And the funniest thing I see is the criticism of the 2 point conversion calls.

First call: I have no doubt that every Oregon fan was cheering the 2 point attempt when the score went to 8-0 just as they were cheered when Chip used to routinely make that call. Judgment: It was a good call.
Second call: Having succeeded once, I have no doubt that after the second touchdown every Oregon fan was hoping the Ducks would go for 2 and run up the score (after all, the worst case is you move to 14-7 and the best case is you move to 16-7 and inflict more psychological hurt on Nebraska -- part of the Oregon strategy since Chip took over). Judgment: It was a good call given Oregon's philosophy.

Third call: That two point attempt after the third TD occurred when the score was 20-7. This is the call many focus on. But, the analysis here is the exact same as after the first TD. Do you kick the PAT and keep the score in sequence or do you put pressure on Nebraska to go for two? It is better to go up 22-7 or 21-7, despite the risk of being up only 20-7? Given that at Oregon we think it is better to go up 8-0 than 7-0, despite the risk of 6-0, it is a given under the Oregon philosophy installed by Chip that we feel free to go for two in this situation. Judgment: Good call given Oregon's philosophy. A tough call by MH given the prior failure. But, he stuck to his guns and the Oregon philosophy, and had faith in his players. The downside of this call was far less than the call after the first TD.

Fourth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fourth TD occurred when the score was 26-28. Again, just based on the chart, you go for two because the difference between being down 26-28 versus 27-28 is non-existent and the upside of being tied 28-28 is HUGE. Judgment: Good call.

Fifth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fifth TD occurred when the score was 32-28. Again, just based on the chart, you for two because the difference between being up four points or five is non-existent and the upside of being up 6 pts (two field goals doesn't beat you) is HUGE. Judgment: Good call, albeit a much harder call for a coach to make based on the prior failures to convert. What this call, which was the right call, says about MH is that he's not afraid to make the right call over the easy call.

In summary, the two point conversion calls were the right calls. The only way you can second guess those calls is with 20/20 hindsight and by abandoning the philosophy that's guided our program since Chip took over.
What I saw from the Ducks was a young team and a QB not experienced enough in our system who have the capacity to improve. How I judge the coaching staff, especially the defensive coaches who are instilling a new system, will be based on how this team evolves. How I judge the players will be one how they evolve. For those who have already made their judgments three games into this season based on the two point conversion calls ... well, that's your right, but it sure makes you look bad.
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Comments

  • Meek
    Meek Member Posts: 7,031

    I have been a RABID Duck fan for a very long time. For me, Duck football doesn't start or end with Chip Kelly as appears to be the case for some here. My long history of being a fan of the Ducks gives me some perspective that I think is lacking for some on this board. I wasn't panicking in 2009 when we lost to BSU or 2011 when we lost to LSU, despite how horrendous those Chip Kelly coached losses were. I wasn't calling for Chip's head after the NC loss, despite that his questionable calls likely cost the NC. So I'm certainly not going to panic and call for MH's head after this loss to Nebraska.

    Here's some perspective.

    Vegas pegged the Ducks as 3.5 point underdogs and the over/under at 73.5 points. The Ducks lost by 3 points (beat the spread) and the over/under was 67 points. Thus, at least in the eyes of Vegas, the Ducks outperformed expectations. Especially given the injuries during the game. Vegas is not the end all or be all, but it is a reference which can provide some perspective that's lacking when all you have to go on to compare teams is poll rankings, which are often lousy, especially early in the year.

    Not surprisingly, we see spoiled and whiney fans freaking out at the loss. And the funniest thing I see is the criticism of the 2 point conversion calls.

    First call: I have no doubt that every Oregon fan was cheering the 2 point attempt when the score went to 8-0 just as they were cheered when Chip used to routinely make that call. Judgment: It was a good call.
    Second call: Having succeeded once, I have no doubt that after the second touchdown every Oregon fan was hoping the Ducks would go for 2 and run up the score (after all, the worst case is you move to 14-7 and the best case is you move to 16-7 and inflict more psychological hurt on Nebraska -- part of the Oregon strategy since Chip took over). Judgment: It was a good call given Oregon's philosophy.

    Third call: That two point attempt after the third TD occurred when the score was 20-7. This is the call many focus on. But, the analysis here is the exact same as after the first TD. Do you kick the PAT and keep the score in sequence or do you put pressure on Nebraska to go for two? It is better to go up 22-7 or 21-7, despite the risk of being up only 20-7? Given that at Oregon we think it is better to go up 8-0 than 7-0, despite the risk of 6-0, it is a given under the Oregon philosophy installed by Chip that we feel free to go for two in this situation. Judgment: Good call given Oregon's philosophy. A tough call by MH given the prior failure. But, he stuck to his guns and the Oregon philosophy, and had faith in his players. The downside of this call was far less than the call after the first TD.

    Fourth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fourth TD occurred when the score was 26-28. Again, just based on the chart, you go for two because the difference between being down 26-28 versus 27-28 is non-existent and the upside of being tied 28-28 is HUGE. Judgment: Good call.

    Fifth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fifth TD occurred when the score was 32-28. Again, just based on the chart, you for two because the difference between being up four points or five is non-existent and the upside of being up 6 pts (two field goals doesn't beat you) is HUGE. Judgment: Good call, albeit a much harder call for a coach to make based on the prior failures to convert. What this call, which was the right call, says about MH is that he's not afraid to make the right call over the easy call.

    In summary, the two point conversion calls were the right calls. The only way you can second guess those calls is with 20/20 hindsight and by abandoning the philosophy that's guided our program since Chip took over.
    What I saw from the Ducks was a young team and a QB not experienced enough in our system who have the capacity to improve. How I judge the coaching staff, especially the defensive coaches who are instilling a new system, will be based on how this team evolves. How I judge the players will be one how they evolve. For those who have already made their judgments three games into this season based on the two point conversion calls ... well, that's your right, but it sure makes you look bad.

    fixed
  • Mosster47
    Mosster47 Member Posts: 6,246
  • Miley_Cyrus
    Miley_Cyrus Member Posts: 832
    edited September 2016
    Who the fuck wrote this? Holy quook almighty
  • Tequilla
    Tequilla Member Posts: 20,098
    Classic case of misunderstanding statistics and game theory that has had me laughing at Oregon for years.

    After their first TD, they almost always go for 2. I get what they are trying to do in that they are trying (by succeeding) to get their opponent off of what it is that they are trying to do.

    But the problem in how game theory is applied in situations like going for 2 points or how poker players leverage it in coin flip situations when their tournament life is over if they lose is that they fail to factor in the fact that even though they may be a 53% favorite (for example) to succeed in the situation, the risk to losing is often far greater than the benefits of winning.

    Once Oregon gets its advantage, there is no benefit for them to continue to press their luck. By going for 2 after the 2nd TD, Oregon risked the benefit that they had achieved. There is not a significant difference for them to have 15 or 16 points at that point.

    I'm a firm believer that generally speaking early in the game you take all the points that you can get and start pressing later as needed.
  • BallSacked
    BallSacked Member Posts: 3,279
    Tequilla said:


    I'm a firm believer that generally speaking early in the game you take all the points that you can get and start pressing later as needed.

    Isn't that exactly what happened?
  • Tequilla
    Tequilla Member Posts: 20,098

    Tequilla said:


    I'm a firm believer that generally speaking early in the game you take all the points that you can get and start pressing later as needed.

    Isn't that exactly what happened?
    Extra points are free points ... take them. There's no reason early in the game to get risky with your points. About the only exception to the rule that I have is if you have 4th and 1 at the 1 with a good defense because a failure there is likely going to give your offense the ball back in great field position again.

    What I'm not in favor of is if you have the option to take a 30 yard FG or go for it on 4th and 3, you should take the FG.
  • BallSacked
    BallSacked Member Posts: 3,279
    Tequilla said:

    Tequilla said:


    I'm a firm believer that generally speaking early in the game you take all the points that you can get and start pressing later as needed.

    Isn't that exactly what happened?
    Extra points are free points ... take them. There's no reason early in the game to get risky with your points. About the only exception to the rule that I have is if you have 4th and 1 at the 1 with a good defense because a failure there is likely going to give your offense the ball back in great field position again.

    What I'm not in favor of is if you have the option to take a 30 yard FG or go for it on 4th and 3, you should take the FG.
    Sure. But that goes against what you said you're a firm believer in. Sounds like you need to type less and figure what your point is much more concisely.

    My take - they got the first one. So the second one thus made sense - convert that and you're up two scores, fail and you're still up a full 7. The third one after missing the 2nd one was the only problem. It put them behind 7pt increments and left them chasing it the rest of the game. I'm sure helfrich thought 'I'm up 20-7, this will be a plunger. Fuck it'. Oops.
  • Tequilla
    Tequilla Member Posts: 20,098

    Tequilla said:

    Tequilla said:


    I'm a firm believer that generally speaking early in the game you take all the points that you can get and start pressing later as needed.

    Isn't that exactly what happened?
    Extra points are free points ... take them. There's no reason early in the game to get risky with your points. About the only exception to the rule that I have is if you have 4th and 1 at the 1 with a good defense because a failure there is likely going to give your offense the ball back in great field position again.

    What I'm not in favor of is if you have the option to take a 30 yard FG or go for it on 4th and 3, you should take the FG.
    Sure. But that goes against what you said you're a firm believer in. Sounds like you need to type less and figure what your point is much more concisely.

    My take - they got the first one. So the second one thus made sense - convert that and you're up two scores, fail and you're still up a full 7. The third one after missing the 2nd one was the only problem. It put them behind 7pt increments and left them chasing it the rest of the game. I'm sure helfrich thought 'I'm up 20-7, this will be a plunger. Fuck it'. Oops.
    I know what my point is fucktard ... perhaps I should pay more attention to how I explain it instead of watching a baseball game while typing ... yes?

    In a game that is supposed to be close, take your points ... particularly when your kicker is perfect on extra points.

    In a game where it is expected to be low scoring, take your points ...

    If the game is supposed to be a shootout ... then I've got no problem with trying to get ahead of the game and taking advantage of a suspect defense. Again, that's playing the situation as much as it is anything else.

    Once you succeed going for 2, you're forcing your opponent to have to go for 2 at some point to match you ... it also puts them in a position where it screws up FG situations and more than anything else messes with the other team's head. That's the main benefit of going for 2 IMO.

    I'm not sure I've ever seen Oregon win a team with this strategy ... perhaps the closest is what the Steelers did last year a bit when they were having kicking issues early in the year. I have seen plenty of games lost because of missed extra point conversions early in the game coming back and biting a team in the ass.
  • Baseman
    Baseman Member Posts: 12,369
    In zero words, or less, can somebody explain what this thread is about.
  • TierbsHsotBoobs
    TierbsHsotBoobs Member Posts: 39,680
    Baseman said:

    In zero words, or less, can somebody explain what this thread is about.

    No
  • Mad_Son
    Mad_Son Member Posts: 10,194
    Baseman said:

    In zero words, or less, can somebody explain what this thread is.

  • rodmansrage
    rodmansrage Member Posts: 6,376

    I have been a Duck fan for a very long time. For me, Duck football doesn't start or end with Chip Kelly as appears to be the case for some here. My long history of being a fan of the Ducks gives me some perspective that I think is lacking for some on this board. I wasn't panicking in 2009 when we lost to BSU or 2011 when we lost to LSU, despite how horrendous those Chip Kelly coached losses were. I wasn't calling for Chip's head after the NC loss, despite that his questionable calls likely cost the NC. So I'm certainly not going to panic and call for MH's head after this loss to Nebraska.

    Here's some perspective.

    Vegas pegged the Ducks as 3.5 point underdogs and the over/under at 73.5 points. The Ducks lost by 3 points (beat the spread) and the over/under was 67 points. Thus, at least in the eyes of Vegas, the Ducks outperformed expectations. Especially given the injuries during the game. Vegas is not the end all or be all, but it is a reference which can provide some perspective that's lacking when all you have to go on to compare teams is poll rankings, which are often lousy, especially early in the year.

    Not surprisingly, we see spoiled and whiney fans freaking out at the loss. And the funniest thing I see is the criticism of the 2 point conversion calls.

    First call: I have no doubt that every Oregon fan was cheering the 2 point attempt when the score went to 8-0 just as they were cheered when Chip used to routinely make that call. Judgment: It was a good call.
    Second call: Having succeeded once, I have no doubt that after the second touchdown every Oregon fan was hoping the Ducks would go for 2 and run up the score (after all, the worst case is you move to 14-7 and the best case is you move to 16-7 and inflict more psychological hurt on Nebraska -- part of the Oregon strategy since Chip took over). Judgment: It was a good call given Oregon's philosophy.

    Third call: That two point attempt after the third TD occurred when the score was 20-7. This is the call many focus on. But, the analysis here is the exact same as after the first TD. Do you kick the PAT and keep the score in sequence or do you put pressure on Nebraska to go for two? It is better to go up 22-7 or 21-7, despite the risk of being up only 20-7? Given that at Oregon we think it is better to go up 8-0 than 7-0, despite the risk of 6-0, it is a given under the Oregon philosophy installed by Chip that we feel free to go for two in this situation. Judgment: Good call given Oregon's philosophy. A tough call by MH given the prior failure. But, he stuck to his guns and the Oregon philosophy, and had faith in his players. The downside of this call was far less than the call after the first TD.

    Fourth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fourth TD occurred when the score was 26-28. Again, just based on the chart, you go for two because the difference between being down 26-28 versus 27-28 is non-existent and the upside of being tied 28-28 is HUGE. Judgment: Good call.

    Fifth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fifth TD occurred when the score was 32-28. Again, just based on the chart, you for two because the difference between being up four points or five is non-existent and the upside of being up 6 pts (two field goals doesn't beat you) is HUGE. Judgment: Good call, albeit a much harder call for a coach to make based on the prior failures to convert. What this call, which was the right call, says about MH is that he's not afraid to make the right call over the easy call.

    In summary, the two point conversion calls were the right calls. The only way you can second guess those calls is with 20/20 hindsight and by abandoning the philosophy that's guided our program since Chip took over.
    What I saw from the Ducks was a young team and a QB not experienced enough in our system who have the capacity to improve. How I judge the coaching staff, especially the defensive coaches who are instilling a new system, will be based on how this team evolves. How I judge the players will be one how they evolve. For those who have already made their judgments three games into this season based on the two point conversion calls ... well, that's your right, but it sure makes you look bad.

    disagree with 81% of this, thanks.
  • Southerndawg
    Southerndawg Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 8,346 Founders Club
    Baseman said:

    In zero words, or less, can somebody explain what this thread is about.

    +quook+posts-after-a-loss = -1words
  • dnc
    dnc Member Posts: 56,839

    I have been a Duck fan for a very long time. For me, Duck football doesn't start or end with Chip Kelly as appears to be the case for some here. My long history of being a fan of the Ducks gives me some perspective that I think is lacking for some on this board. I wasn't panicking in 2009 when we lost to BSU or 2011 when we lost to LSU, despite how horrendous those Chip Kelly coached losses were. I wasn't calling for Chip's head after the NC loss, despite that his questionable calls likely cost the NC. So I'm certainly not going to panic and call for MH's head after this loss to Nebraska.

    Here's some perspective.

    Vegas pegged the Ducks as 3.5 point underdogs and the over/under at 73.5 points. The Ducks lost by 3 points (beat the spread) and the over/under was 67 points. Thus, at least in the eyes of Vegas, the Ducks outperformed expectations. Especially given the injuries during the game. Vegas is not the end all or be all, but it is a reference which can provide some perspective that's lacking when all you have to go on to compare teams is poll rankings, which are often lousy, especially early in the year.

    Not surprisingly, we see spoiled and whiney fans freaking out at the loss. And the funniest thing I see is the criticism of the 2 point conversion calls.

    First call: I have no doubt that every Oregon fan was cheering the 2 point attempt when the score went to 8-0 just as they were cheered when Chip used to routinely make that call. Judgment: It was a good call.
    Second call: Having succeeded once, I have no doubt that after the second touchdown every Oregon fan was hoping the Ducks would go for 2 and run up the score (after all, the worst case is you move to 14-7 and the best case is you move to 16-7 and inflict more psychological hurt on Nebraska -- part of the Oregon strategy since Chip took over). Judgment: It was a good call given Oregon's philosophy.

    Third call: That two point attempt after the third TD occurred when the score was 20-7. This is the call many focus on. But, the analysis here is the exact same as after the first TD. Do you kick the PAT and keep the score in sequence or do you put pressure on Nebraska to go for two? It is better to go up 22-7 or 21-7, despite the risk of being up only 20-7? Given that at Oregon we think it is better to go up 8-0 than 7-0, despite the risk of 6-0, it is a given under the Oregon philosophy installed by Chip that we feel free to go for two in this situation. Judgment: Good call given Oregon's philosophy. A tough call by MH given the prior failure. But, he stuck to his guns and the Oregon philosophy, and had faith in his players. The downside of this call was far less than the call after the first TD.

    Fourth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fourth TD occurred when the score was 26-28. Again, just based on the chart, you go for two because the difference between being down 26-28 versus 27-28 is non-existent and the upside of being tied 28-28 is HUGE. Judgment: Good call.

    Fifth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fifth TD occurred when the score was 32-28. Again, just based on the chart, you for two because the difference between being up four points or five is non-existent and the upside of being up 6 pts (two field goals doesn't beat you) is HUGE. Judgment: Good call, albeit a much harder call for a coach to make based on the prior failures to convert. What this call, which was the right call, says about MH is that he's not afraid to make the right call over the easy call.

    In summary, the two point conversion calls were the right calls. The only way you can second guess those calls is with 20/20 hindsight and by abandoning the philosophy that's guided our program since Chip took over.
    What I saw from the Ducks was a young team and a QB not experienced enough in our system who have the capacity to improve. How I judge the coaching staff, especially the defensive coaches who are instilling a new system, will be based on how this team evolves. How I judge the players will be one how they evolve. For those who have already made their judgments three games into this season based on the two point conversion calls ... well, that's your right, but it sure makes you look bad.

    This guys needs an invite, STAT.

    Sledoog and Hondo need a third.
  • Fenwick
    Fenwick Member Posts: 1,174
    Fuckinghellshitfire, kick the damned extra point!
  • Kaepsknee
    Kaepsknee Member Posts: 14,913

    I have been a Duck fan for a very long time. For me, Duck football doesn't start or end with Chip Kelly as appears to be the case for some here. My long history of being a fan of the Ducks gives me some perspective that I think is lacking for some on this board. I wasn't panicking in 2009 when we lost to BSU or 2011 when we lost to LSU, despite how horrendous those Chip Kelly coached losses were. I wasn't calling for Chip's head after the NC loss, despite that his questionable calls likely cost the NC. So I'm certainly not going to panic and call for MH's head after this loss to Nebraska.

    Here's some perspective.

    Vegas pegged the Ducks as 3.5 point underdogs and the over/under at 73.5 points. The Ducks lost by 3 points (beat the spread) and the over/under was 67 points. Thus, at least in the eyes of Vegas, the Ducks outperformed expectations. Especially given the injuries during the game. Vegas is not the end all or be all, but it is a reference which can provide some perspective that's lacking when all you have to go on to compare teams is poll rankings, which are often lousy, especially early in the year.

    Not surprisingly, we see spoiled and whiney fans freaking out at the loss. And the funniest thing I see is the criticism of the 2 point conversion calls.

    First call: I have no doubt that every Oregon fan was cheering the 2 point attempt when the score went to 8-0 just as they were cheered when Chip used to routinely make that call. Judgment: It was a good call.
    Second call: Having succeeded once, I have no doubt that after the second touchdown every Oregon fan was hoping the Ducks would go for 2 and run up the score (after all, the worst case is you move to 14-7 and the best case is you move to 16-7 and inflict more psychological hurt on Nebraska -- part of the Oregon strategy since Chip took over). Judgment: It was a good call given Oregon's philosophy.

    Third call: That two point attempt after the third TD occurred when the score was 20-7. This is the call many focus on. But, the analysis here is the exact same as after the first TD. Do you kick the PAT and keep the score in sequence or do you put pressure on Nebraska to go for two? It is better to go up 22-7 or 21-7, despite the risk of being up only 20-7? Given that at Oregon we think it is better to go up 8-0 than 7-0, despite the risk of 6-0, it is a given under the Oregon philosophy installed by Chip that we feel free to go for two in this situation. Judgment: Good call given Oregon's philosophy. A tough call by MH given the prior failure. But, he stuck to his guns and the Oregon philosophy, and had faith in his players. The downside of this call was far less than the call after the first TD.

    Fourth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fourth TD occurred when the score was 26-28. Again, just based on the chart, you go for two because the difference between being down 26-28 versus 27-28 is non-existent and the upside of being tied 28-28 is HUGE. Judgment: Good call.

    Fifth call: The two point conversion attempt after the fifth TD occurred when the score was 32-28. Again, just based on the chart, you for two because the difference between being up four points or five is non-existent and the upside of being up 6 pts (two field goals doesn't beat you) is HUGE. Judgment: Good call, albeit a much harder call for a coach to make based on the prior failures to convert. What this call, which was the right call, says about MH is that he's not afraid to make the right call over the easy call.

    In summary, the two point conversion calls were the right calls. The only way you can second guess those calls is with 20/20 hindsight and by abandoning the philosophy that's guided our program since Chip took over.
    What I saw from the Ducks was a young team and a QB not experienced enough in our system who have the capacity to improve. How I judge the coaching staff, especially the defensive coaches who are instilling a new system, will be based on how this team evolves. How I judge the players will be one how they evolve. For those who have already made their judgments three games into this season based on the two point conversion calls ... well, that's your right, but it sure makes you look bad.

    Never was there a more Coog/House Money/Nothing to see here post than this.
  • doogville
    doogville Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 1,229 Swaye's Wigwam
    Judgement: Good call.
  • Baseman
    Baseman Member Posts: 12,369

    Baseman said:

    In zero words, or less, can somebody explain what this thread is about.

    @RaceBannon was making fun of quooks, then @Tequilla made one of his usual shitpoasts, then @BallSacked swooped in to the rescue and non-consensually peed in @Tequilla's butt.


    /thread
    More words but eloquently poasted.
  • phineas
    phineas Member Posts: 4,732
    edited September 2016
    Going for 2 point conversions is edgy, really connects with the inner city youth. It's a brilliant recruiting tool. This helps helfrich imo.
  • EsophagealFeces
    EsophagealFeces Member Posts: 13,118
    Baseman said:

    Baseman said:

    In zero words, or less, can somebody explain what this thread is about.

    @RaceBannon was making fun of quooks, then @Tequilla made one of his usual shitpoasts, then @BallSacked swooped in to the rescue and non-consensually peed in @Tequilla's butt.


    /thread
    More words but eloquently poasted.
    It's hard.
  • PurpleJ
    PurpleJ Member Posts: 37,643 Founders Club
    This thread sucks and your all fags.
  • ToiletSeat
    ToiletSeat Member Posts: 150

    It's sad to see how far Oregon has fallen.

    All the way to 2-1.

  • TTJ
    TTJ Member Posts: 4,827
    Tequilla said:

    Classic case of misunderstanding statistics and game theory that has had me laughing at Oregon for years.

    After their first TD, they almost always go for 2. I get what they are trying to do in that they are trying (by succeeding) to get their opponent off of what it is that they are trying to do.

    But the problem in how game theory is applied in situations like going for 2 points or how poker players leverage it in coin flip situations when their tournament life is over if they lose is that they fail to factor in the fact that even though they may be a 53% favorite (for example) to succeed in the situation, the risk to losing is often far greater than the benefits of winning.

    Once Oregon gets its advantage, there is no benefit for them to continue to press their luck. By going for 2 after the 2nd TD, Oregon risked the benefit that they had achieved. There is not a significant difference for them to have 15 or 16 points at that point.

    I'm a firm believer that generally speaking early in the game you take all the points that you can get and start pressing later as needed.

    What game theory can't explain is the demoralizing difference between falling behind early 8-0 vs 7-0. That's a bodyblow, and it's worth the risk (when you're as good at two-pointers as Oregon has been). But you are correct that, after going up 8-0 early, it's fucktarded to continue going for two (if you don't need to).