Running up the score

[Just Bill]

Hm.  I was going to say running up the score is like chasing a goose with a toaster oven but your analogy makes more sense.

Post of the year.

[HScoach]

Hm.  I was going to say running up the score is like chasing a goose with a toaster oven but your analogy makes more sense.

Post of the year.

I agree.  That's hilarious!

[K-Mack]

Hm.  I was going to say running up the score is like chasing a goose with a toaster oven but your analogy makes more sense.

Post of the year.

I agree.  That's hilarious!

I want to laugh (and I usually do at Gordon), but I'm struggling to "get" that one.

(is dumb)

[HScoach]

I think that's his point.  It's just plain dumb. 

[Knightstalker]

If you can ninja up on the goose you could wack her with the toaster oven.

[PA_wesleyfan]

Hm.  I was going to say running up the score is like chasing a goose with a toaster oven but your analogy makes more sense.

And to think I my sons drag me out at 5 am, dig a hole in a wet corn field fill it with a little fodder for me to lay in and say this is goose hunting. And all I needed was a toaster oven Daaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmm 

[KitchenSink]

Since - what's good for the goose, is good for the gander - it would appear that the toaster oven would work equally well for him.

This is opening up a whole new world.  Move over, Confuscious.  There's a new sheriff in town.

[K-Mack]

Pretty solid recap of the fallout from Utah going for an onside kick up 43-0 and the Wyoming coach giving the finger in reaction:

http://blogs.usatoday.com/sportsscope/2007/11/a-guarantee-a-r.html

[smedindy]

You know, I would have onsided after every TD in the first half if a coach ran his mouth like that. But after 43-0, I dunno.

[Pat Coleman]

I'm going to bump this back to the top, since the topic probably doesn't go away.

[FCGrizzliesGrad]

My opinion is that as long as the superior team has pulled their starters (and 2nd string and possibly 3rd string) it's up to the losing team to make a stop. As long as they're running their normal plays and not doing anything outrageous like onside kicks, trick plays, and 2pt conversions then whatever the score ends up is fine by me.
I'd be far more embarrassed to have an opponent think we're so utterly hopeless that their 3rd or 4th string need to just run the ball up the middle the rest of the game rather than end up with an 84-0 score.

[Mr. Ypsi]

My opinion is that as long as the superior team has pulled their starters (and 2nd string and possibly 3rd string) it's up to the losing team to make a stop. As long as they're running their normal plays and not doing anything outrageous like onside kicks, trick plays, and 2pt conversions then whatever the score ends up is fine by me.
I'd be far more embarrassed to have an opponent think we're so utterly hopeless that their 3rd or 4th string need to just run the ball up the middle the rest of the game rather than end up with an 84-0 score.

Agreed.  Some of the ways that coaches 'don't run up the score' are so brutally transparent as to be far more insulting than losing by 60+.

[Bombers798891]

I think this is a very difficult balance in D-III especially, because the reality we sometimes face isn't just that two teams are mismatched, but the programs themselves are just not operating on the same level, and that needs to be taken into consideration too. My general rules:

1. If you're up 50+ points in the 4th quarter, don't throw the ball. There are few things I roll my eyes at more than the lame "This guy was the hardest worker in the weightroom, who rehabbed from a ton of injuries and the coaches wanted to reward him with a TD" excuse that I sometimes hear on this stuff. If you've got a guy like that on your roster who you want to reward, find a spot for him earlier in the game. Upsets happen, but I hate it when teams act like they needed to establish some 63-0 lead before putting in those guys. These coaches have understandings of the quality of their opponent, and some of these games you see coming. Figure it out before the numbers get crooked.

I don't agree with this "It's the normal offense" line. Even pass-heavy offenses have basic running plays they can call to just keep the clock moving and get everyone out of there. Great chance to work on them. Running them for one quarter isn't going to kill you.

2. On defensive returns, if there's no one in front of you when you get the ball, feel free to keep running. If not, go down. Arbitrary? Sure. But if you've got a clear path, I think it's more patronizing to go out of bounds. For coordinators, just don't blitz.

3. Special teams. Fair catches on punt returns. See my above point on the offensive guys. If you've got a young PR you want to try out, do it at 21-0 in the 1st quarter, not 70-0 in the 4th. Kickoffs? Complicated I guess. Don't bring it out of the endzone, just cover up the squib kicks. But if they kick it deep and it comes down at the 5, returning it is fair game. Like my arbitrary thoughts on clear path defensive returns, I think it stands out to not return them more than it does on a punt (where you see lots of FCs anyway).

4. This may be the most controversial: I believe that in the playoffs, all bets are off and you can do what you want. I'm all for sportsmanship, as I believe the above points show, but the playoffs are different. If you're there you're likely either playing someone of relatively equal caliber, or you're dealing with your last chance to get ready for those guys, before a win or go home scenario. Either way, the playoffs and regular season are different. Call what you want.

4A. I don't buy "This regular season game is essentially a playoff game, so we ran it up on the hapless team the week before" argument. Playoffs are playoffs, regular season games are regular season games, full stop.

5. In all cases, if you have a blowout, show decorum. Don't whoop it up when you make a big play, or throw brutal blindside blocks on returns. You can't always prevent a score. You can control how you act when you get there.

[JFPIV]

My opinion is that as long as the superior team has pulled their starters (and 2nd string and possibly 3rd string) it's up to the losing team to make a stop. As long as they're running their normal plays and not doing anything outrageous like onside kicks, trick plays, and 2pt conversions then whatever the score ends up is fine by me.
I'd be far more embarrassed to have an opponent think we're so utterly hopeless that their 3rd or 4th string need to just run the ball up the middle the rest of the game rather than end up with an 84-0 score.

Absolutely.

[Oline89]

So my opinion on this subject has changed over the years.
If:  Team A  is up by at least 35
      It is the second half
      Team B is truly outmatched on the field

Then:  Team A pulls its starters.  It seems that every team in D3 (with exception of NESCAC schools) have rosters well over 100 players.  This is the time to get the second string, third string and maybe even some freshman out on the field.  Football practice is miserable, football games are magical.  Any kid who has pushed through spring practice, humped through summer preseason, and worked the "look" squad during the week, deserves to get on the big field and play in an actual game.  Run the offense, rush the quarterback, throw your block.  I agree that there is no reason to get anyone hurt, so free catch all kickoffs and punts, but otherwise let the players play the game.  Team B most likely has done the same, and is letting their backups on the field as well.   Always, show class, shake hand after the game, take pictures with parents and teammates.  Enjoy college football, 4 years go by in a flash.