There were a number of times in 2012 when Columbia Head Coach Pete Mangurian played it very conservative on 4th down.
Several times, when the Lions faced 4th down situations in that gray area between the opponent 35 and 29 yard lines, Mangurian elected to punt.
Many times, those decisions were agonizing for fans. But when you consider Columbia's success rate on 4th down in 2012, you have to admit Mangurian had good reason to be cautious.
One such example came with Columbia still trailing Lehigh 28-14 early in the 4th quarter of the week four game in Bethlehem.
After Marcorus Garrett's sweet TD run brought the Lions to within two scores, the Lion defense stepped up again and forced a Mountain Hawk punt that Columbia smothered at its own 24.
The Lions went to work from there, getting two 1st downs before the drive stalled at the Lehigh 45 on a 4th and 6.
This time, Mangurian elected to go for it and things just didn't work out. QB Sean Brackett's pass to Garrett fell incomplete and the Mountain Hawk offense used the resulting good field position to start an eight play TD drive that iced the game.
This was just one of 12 failed 4th down conversion attempts by Columbia in 2012. Overall, the Lions went just two for 14 on 4th down for the season. And yes, like Columbia's 3rd down conversion rate, that was the worst in the Ivies last year.
It's hard to believe a Lion conversion on that play would have led to a score or that a score would have changed the outcome. But it was a blow to confidence and a stark reminder that on too many occasions in 2012, Columbia's offense could not be counted on to make the clutch play.
1 comment:
Jake,
Another great analysis of our poorly performing offense last year. I for one do not think it was the coach's fault. We lacked "playmakers" who could get it done.
I believe that his system of competition all the time will identify and reward those guys who will get it done.
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