Message to Fitz

[Deeringfish]

In the over time loss to UM a couple of years ago, it was a strategic mistake to allow the OT to be played at the student end of the field. I know that traditional wisdom is to get the ball second but I was sitting on the goal line in the 6th row (crappy seats except at that critical moment). The noise and crowd intensity was actually terrifying and I could see that the guys on my side of the field could not communicate with each other at all. The PA system continued blaring, W.O. penalty, well into the signal calling and it was a mess due to the crowd noise which I alone could not duplicate when UM had the ball. I could actually look right into the guys faces and they looked absolutely bewildered and confused.

 

[T_Levine]

Better Message....Channel Your Inner Al Davis

JUST WIN BABY

 

[kreggk]

There won't be an OT period. Period.

 

[CaliforniaCat]

In the over time loss to UM a couple of years ago, it was a strategic mistake to allow the OT to be played at the student end of the field. I know that traditional wisdom is to get the ball second but I was sitting on the goal line in the 6th row (crappy seats except at that critical moment). The noise and crowd intensity was actually terrifying and I could see that the guys on my side of the field could not communicate with each other at all. The PA system continued blaring, W.O. penalty, well into the signal calling and it was a mess due to the crowd noise which I alone could not duplicate when UM had the ball. I could actually look right into the guys faces and they looked absolutely bewildered and confused.

It's a valid point and worth considering, but not sure that it really outweighs the advantage of going second.

 

[DonatelloCat]

The PA system continued blaring, W.O. penalty, well into the signal calling and it was a mess due to the crowd noise which I alone could not duplicate when UM had the ball.

i think i understand what you're saying. basically . . . the loss was your fault?

 

[Deeringfish]

It's a valid point and worth considering, but not sure that it really outweighs the advantage of going second.

If you could have seen their faces. I felt bad for them.

 

[Deeringfish]

i think i understand what you're saying. basically . . . the loss was your fault?

Yes, of course! That was my point!

 

[FanatiCat]

There won't be an OT period. Period.

That's what Fitz said last year and, well, I guess he was right but it wasn't good.

 

[CaliforniaCat]

If you could have seen their faces. I felt bad for them.

The noise is something that Fitz has to prepare them for and I'm sure he works on it. It could just as easily be a problem during the regular game time, so worrying about it only in OT doesn't really accomplish anything. They have to be able to deal with it. Maybe easier said than done, but it's something they have to be able to handle. Take the ball second in OT when you can.

 

[Deeringfish]

The noise is something that Fitz has to prepare them for and I'm sure he works on it. It could just as easily be a problem during the regular game time, so worrying about it only in OT doesn't really accomplish anything. They have to be able to deal with it. Maybe easier said than done, but it's something they have to be able to handle. Take the ball second in OT when you can.

I've sat in both end zones and believe me the other end is far less hostile. No Band , No Student section, Visiting team tickets up in the corner. In overtime you are likely to play 2 or 3 series in a row in that maelstrom.