In a recent game between the No. 11 Oregon State Beavers and the unranked Arizona Wildcats, a notable decision made by the Beavers’ coaching staff came under heavy criticism.
Opting for a fake field goal at the end of the first half, the Beavers had their kicker Atticus Sappington stopped at the seven-yard line on a run.
As a result, they entered halftime tied at 10-10 instead of leading 13-10.
"It's all or nothing. You've got to get to the end zone. You don't get another first down here. And that's the guy you want to try to have break tackles? I don't get it."
Rod Gilmore on Oregon State's baffling decision to try a fake field goal with 2 seconds left in the half. pic.twitter.com/PYUojRRmyt
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 29, 2023
Following the game, Coach Jonathan Smith acknowledged that the fake field goal was a mistake in that particular situation.
Here's what Jonathan Smith had to say postgame about the fake FG to end the half:
"Ultra aggression. That starts with me and it shouldn't have been… Asking Atticus to score from 20 yds out… It was just a bad call… The logic going into the thing was a medium 4th and 5, 6." pic.twitter.com/fSMt3L4TSl
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) October 29, 2023
While the Beavers were able to score a late touchdown to narrow the margin, their inability to recover the subsequent onside kick proved costly.
While quarterback DJ Uiagalelei defended the play’s potential success with better timing.
Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei, on fake field goal decision:
“I wasn’t surprised at all. I thought it was a great call. At the end of the day, we will live and die by coach Smith and whatever he wants to do. I support him 110%."https://t.co/hjaj0YCSBM
— Nick Daschel (@nickdaschel) October 29, 2023
The controversial clock management decision made by the Beavers is not an isolated incident in football.
Throughout the years, various teams and coaches have faced scrutiny for their handling of time-related situations.
Whether it’s misused timeouts, poor time management in crucial moments, or risky playcalling, these decisions often draw attention and debate among fans and experts.
