NU has a shockingly good all-time OT record. We are 15-7 all-time in OT games, 13-3 in B1G OT games, 8-2 in home OT games, and 7-3 in road OT games. Our first OT game was in Randy Walker's first season, so this record covers 25 years and 3 different coaching regimes. I suppose this could all be random chance, but we always look well-prepared for OT even if we lose. Is it down to coaching? The type of player we recruit? Or is it truly just a coincidence?
How are we so good in OT?
- Thread starter Styre
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I don't get it, but possibly because we've historically had good red zone defense.
One thing I'd say about NU football over the years is that they've shown perseverance. In many (most) games, the opposing teams has had more overall talent, and when NU has won, it's been because they've played smarter and more disciplined football. Perhaps when those games have gone to OT, the NU players have been better able to keep that edge and focus.
Interestingly, NU is 1-1 in OT games this season, with the final score in both being 26-20. I'd love to have won that Duke game but do feel somewhat fortunate to have come away with the victory today.
Interestingly, NU is 1-1 in OT games this season, with the final score in both being 26-20. I'd love to have won that Duke game but do feel somewhat fortunate to have come away with the victory today.
Two things: (1) The bend-but-don't-break defense tightens up in the red zone. (2) NU usually has a good list of set plays they like to call from the 25 or so. That's not just in OT, but it's the right distance to call those plays early.
Imagine how bad our record would be if the teams started at the 5. 😀😀
It also helps when you play the one Big Ten team with a worse QB situation (1-7 now on the season!)
It might be due to the type of players we have. Braun is 2-1 in OT so far as head coach of NU, so he seems to be carrying on the tradition.
If you can get the opposing coach to go for it on 4th and 6 from the 21 yard line in overtime, you have an advantage.
I've probably never enjoyed a bone-headed decision as much as that one.
Coach might as well hold up a sign saying "My defense can't stop anybody"
I've probably never enjoyed a bone-headed decision as much as that one.
Coach might as well hold up a sign saying "My defense can't stop anybody"
That was a somewhat surprising decision given that our D is our strength, offense is anemic especially in the red zone and goal line, we are very prone to holding and procedure penalties that put us behind the chains, and our FG kicker is inconsistent (though he was good yesterday). I guess he figured if they didn’t convert, we are not automatic at FGs so there’s a chance they still get to 2OT.
Hopefully we never get to a 3OT game. Isn’t it all 2 pt conversions after 2OT?
It is now, yeah. We have played two 3OT games in our history, a home loss to Michigan in 2013 and a home win over Michigan State in 2017, both under the old rules.
Is it possible these are the results of the games where NU played teams they should easily have beaten in regulation?
I suppose some of them are, but, like, I don't think NU should have blown out Ohio State in 2004 or Notre Dame in 2014.
I'm jumping ahead to post and must go through the thread, but I wanted to say that opposing coaches often changed their game plan in overtime, or took inappropriate risks, while we worked on getting the first down. Running teams would start trying to pass on us (MSU 2007, Iowa 2008). They would try long (difficult) throw and shrink their playbook when they fail. Whereas we would get our 4 yards on first and open the playbook. I've seen it over and over again - we play smart ball within ourselves, which opens up opportunities in OT. (Nebraska 2018). As cash2088 points out, we set records winning consecutive OT games. Teams would crumble against us like Iowa did in 2017 with their first round TE Fant dropping an easy pass to end the game.
