cecil77 said:

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kb2001 said:

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Million said:

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Seems like we are going for it on 4th down a lot more than I'm used to. We've gone for it 14 times and have converted 8 times this season. Would be interesting to see how this stacks up to past seasons. But it feels like elko isn't afraid to take calculated risks unlike our past coaches.

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I'll add there seems to be a general trend across all levels of football to go for it on 4th down more over the last 5-8 years or so. I think a lot of the statistics are showing that it's actually beneficial overall to go for it in more situations.

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As scoring has increased, each possession is worth more.

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And with the clock rules to shorten games, there are fewer possessions period.

double aught said:

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kb2001 said:

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Million said:

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Seems like we are going for it on 4th down a lot more than I'm used to. We've gone for it 14 times and have converted 8 times this season. Would be interesting to see how this stacks up to past seasons. But it feels like elko isn't afraid to take calculated risks unlike our past coaches.

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I'll add there seems to be a general trend across all levels of football to go for it on 4th down more over the last 5-8 years or so. I think a lot of the statistics are showing that it's actually beneficial overall to go for it in more situations.

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I am no football guru. Far from it. However, for my whole life I always thought it ridiculous how quick teams were to punt and give up on a possession. Every time an opposing punter trotted out on a 4th and 1, I felt a sense of relief, thinking "wow, they could probably keep this drive going if they tried".

It shouldn't have taken this trend this long to take hold. Seemed obvious.

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It definitely seems like a Money Ball type of mentality. But look at the stat everyone looks at; 3rd down conversions. It's as though it's a guarantee if you can't convert on 3rd it's just turnover time. Sure, if you're still on your side of the 50 or 4th and long, but otherwise you're often odds on just as well to throw the interception. Especially when you've got players averaging more yards per touch than you need!

CCAD AG said:

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cecil77 said:

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kb2001 said:

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Million said:

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Seems like we are going for it on 4th down a lot more than I'm used to. We've gone for it 14 times and have converted 8 times this season. Would be interesting to see how this stacks up to past seasons. But it feels like elko isn't afraid to take calculated risks unlike our past coaches.

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I'll add there seems to be a general trend across all levels of football to go for it on 4th down more over the last 5-8 years or so. I think a lot of the statistics are showing that it's actually beneficial overall to go for it in more situations.

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As scoring has increased, each possession is worth more.

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And with the clock rules to shorten games, there are fewer possessions period.

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Yup. Possessions are just worth more. So to voluntary give one up is big. I'd thing once you cross the 50 you'd only punt if it was 4th and 10+ long. Heck past your own 40 you can make an argument for going for it on 4th and five.

fc2112 said:

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I especially liked the actual play - snap to the man lined up left and give him two lead blockers in case someone stayed home.

That's a tough snap for the long snapper to not tip his hand by lining the ball up to his right.

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The play call was designed so well that it would have worked even if they had caught on.

boyfriend said:

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I heard Coach Elko explain in the post game presser that part of the reasoning in going for it was that teams have been getting in exotic punt block formations by overloading one side and that these formations aren't sound against the fake. We've had two punts blocked this year so far I think. He said Mizzou was showing those exotic looks so I guess he made them pay for it.

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it's interesting Elko said that .. Mizzou's coach said they were on max return (but perhaps merely showing that punt block look, I guess)..

It is always refreshing to watch videos of games before the DJs.

agsalaska said:

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It is always refreshing to watch videos of games before the DJs.

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Back when Kyle Field was Kyle Field.

Great call and execution. Having that in and getting in run when the overload occurred. Fantastic

At times it makes sense to play the statistics game and go for it.... But against a freshman qb, I think either punting the ball, or a well-designed fake is obviously the best decision. My guess is this fake was probably a check based on whether or not it was there based on their alignment.... Great design, perfect execution, and the balls to call it let you know Elko isn't just a defensive minded HC! He's a guy that understands and respects how an explosive play like that in special teams is a game-changer. Steals a possession, flips the field, and also presents a great opportunity to put points on the board. Was a big Elko fan on the hiring, am becoming even more convinced weekly we found a diamond in the rough that's building a complete program. Exciting stuff

Cody Scates early 00s

I haven't seen us go 9-0 since my third senior year.

Aston04 said:

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boyfriend said:

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I heard Coach Elko explain in the post game presser that part of the reasoning in going for it was that teams have been getting in exotic punt block formations by overloading one side and that these formations aren't sound against the fake. We've had two punts blocked this year so far I think. He said Mizzou was showing those exotic looks so I guess he made them pay for it.

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it's interesting Elko said that .. Mizzou's coach said they were on max return (but perhaps merely showing that punt block look, I guess)..

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Texas A&M fake punt for 48 yards!! pic.twitter.com/8ov7YMXuuw

— College Football Zone (@CollegeFBonX) November 8, 2025

It looks like Mizzou overloaded the left side and we had numbers to the right. Hopefully this is a deterrent to any additional punts getting blocked. The one we gave up at ND almost buried us.

BoxingAg84 said:

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Last 4 fake punts prior to tonight:

Braden Mann against LSU in 2019 blowout.
@ 1:43:30 mark


2006 Holiday Bowl - Bryce Reed
@ 28:23


2004 Oklahoma - Jacob Young to Earvin Taylor
@ 37:00


1996 Sip - Shane Lechler
@ 26:48

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I guess someone has to ask...

when was the last fake punt A&M ran before Saturday...in a game the Ags won?

the 4 games above all ended in the loss column