Why punt?

[Vallholl]

In a second half in which a few odd things happened:

• Iowa recovers the first onside kick (in which, Iowa had 1/5 of the kickoff receiving team's front line play the onside kick- props to the true freshman)
• Maryland was seemingly going if for a score all on QB runs and throws the ball (a 88 yd pick six- thanks!)
• Iowa then kicks off deep and gives up a 100 yd return (would have been a good time not to give up a big play)
• King almost touches the bouncing punt

Of all these plays / play calls, the play call that I don't understand is the punt on 4th and 10 from their own 3 yd line with a little over a minute left in the game, down 16 points. As soon as the punt is off, the game is essentially over, unless King would have fumbled it (which after the previous punt, I assume they told him to get away from the ball). If they don't get the first down, Iowa will take a knee three times and end the game.

Is it possible, that MD was worried that Iowa would score and ruin the spread? I mean why else would they punt, they were out of time outs?

 

[BubsFinn]

You punt to get the game over without hurting any of your players. If you go for it, your players will likely over extend themselves, and that's when guys get hurt.
It was over and the fewer times the ball is snapped, the less likely someone is going to sustain a pointless injury.

 

[Hawkize31]

I wondered the same thing when they punted on 4th and 4 from their 24 with 4:01 to play, down 16 at the time. Does it matter if you lose by 16 or 23? I feel like they should have at least tried to convert. Same thing on 4th and 10 2 minutes later.

 

[LinusPF]

I'll add, why did they punt down only two scores and 3:53 left in the game? It was only 4th and 4.

Buddy thinks Maryland coach had his team and the points and didn't want to give Iowa the ball deep in Maryland territory.

 

[navyrules]

Absolutely gutless on Maryland's part. Obvious reason was to only lose by 2 TD's rather than 3. I doubt even "old Kirk" would have punted there.

 

[BubsFinn]

Old Kirk wouldn't have punted because he would have been down to one time out.

 

[Vallholl]

You punt to get the game over without hurting any of your players. If you go for it, your players will likely over extend themselves, and that's when guys get hurt.
It was over and the fewer times the ball is snapped, the less likely someone is going to sustain a pointless injury.

Really? I thought you play to win the game. Right, Herm?

 

[Eternal Return]

That was a ridiculous call. Yeah, it's unlikely they'd have made it, but they forfeited the game the moment they punted. At least give your team a chance to win. Pathetic. I guess the coach doesn't want the job full-time. After this season, he can go back to being a coordinator. Gutless.