Illini Homecoming 2006 (4 comments)
Matt offered me a ticket to the homecoming football game against Indiana last weekend. The game was notable because (much to my surprise) the Illini outplayed the Hoosiers. But in true Illini football fashion, that wasn't enough to win the game.
With the game tied at seven in the first quarter, the Illini scored a touchdown to bring the score to 13-7. Instead of bringing on the field goal unit, the offense stayed on the field to attempt a two-point conversion. Even before it failed, the call was widely second-guessed by the fans in attendance. The Illini attempted another two-point conversion after their next touchdown in an effort to make up for the first one; that one failed as well. The Illini went on to lose by two points.
After some further research to confirm that the first two-point attempt was in direct contradiction with conventional wisdom, I sought out a professional opinion.
Madden 2007 just went on sale, so I picked up a used copy of Madden 2006 at the campus EB Games. After a bit of play, I got the score to 7-7, scored a touchdown, and elected to attempt a two-point conversion. Al Michaels had this to say:
"You wonder if they even know what's going on here. You kick the extra point to lead by seven, but they're trying for two to lead by eight."
It was also notable that the Illini's two most successful plays in the homecoming game were gimmicks: a flea flicker and a halfback pass. I specifically mentioned the halfback pass on my infamous résumé, so I have to assume that Ron Zook read through my application the week before the game instead of scouting the other team. Otherwise, they might have known not to kick the ball to the nation's best collegiate kick returner every time.
As always, the lesson is that I would be a much better head coach.