Onside kick to increase number of offensive series?

Submitted by oldcityblue on

We could get to see more Denard.

If that is not enough, please proceed.

Considering our TOP is probably going to be significantly less than our competition this year, and  knowing our defensive woes - some thoughts about keeping them off the field so our offense can continue to feast:

If our defense is going to be hard pressed to perform under normal circumstances, we shouldn't be surprised if they allow a lot of yards after being on the field 65% of the time.

Certainly, our offense will move quickly. However, instead of kicking off to watch another 12 play drive consisting of at least two 4th-and-whatever conversions because no one wants to give the ball back to Denard,  would it make sense to gamble on getting another immediate possession?

 Also, if we plan on being in shootouts the whole year, converting even one onside kick would significantly increase our chances of winning due to the extra possession.

Oregon was being outplayed by Stanford and they used the onside kick as a way to turn the tide, gain momentum and by keeping the Cardinal defense on the field, they subsequently took control. This play was key in  changing the outcome of the game, and was well executed. (planned strategy)  The same could be said about the onside kick for the Saints vs. Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.

In both instances, the move to the onside kick was used because they couldn't stop the other teams' offense. (sound familiar?)  

 Instead of using the onside kick as an expected last ditch effort to get the ball back with 2 minutes left,  how about using it as a planned play that the receiving team has to account for? We are going to be in a shootout anyway, why not gamble? If we fail and they field the kick cleanly, would it be that bad? (with the condition of our kicking game, it's no gimmie the other team won't  start on the 40 anyway.)

However if we convert the onside kick, much more fun will ensue. For Michigan 2010, more offensive series than the other team = win.

Get the ball back. Score again. Control the momentum.

 Also, we could get to see more Denard. 

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Weird side note, if Dantonio is willing to use trickery...does any of this make sense for Sparty against us?

artds

October 7th, 2010 at 6:36 AM ^

Interesting thought. The problem is we don't have a talented kicker on the team this year, which makes me worry that the ball won't even go 10 yards, or will go 30.