Greg Schiano explains head-scratching offensive series for Rutgers in first OT vs. Michigan
Just a few years back Rutgers suffered a 78-0 loss to Michigan on their home turf.
That was then, and the two programs are dramatically different in 2020. The Scarlet Knights entered Saturday’s game with Michigan as heavy underdogs, but jumped ahead quickly to a 17-0 lead. The Wolverines changed quarterbacks with Cade McNamara taking the snaps over Joe Milton, and the Michigan offense came to life.
At the end of regulation, the two were knotted at 35.
The first overtime was interesting, to say the least.
Facing a fourth and two on the first possession of the overtime, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh decided to attempt a field goal, that was missed.
Only needing a field goal to win, Rutgers coach Greg Schiano went into a conservative play calling mode, to avoid a turnover and set up the ball in a favorable spot for Rutgers kicker Valention Ambrosio to punch through a potential game-winning field goal.
When Ambrosio’s kick sailed wide-left, rather than celebrating the win, the game moved to a second overtime – after a third overtime the Wolverines prevailed 48-42.
Plenty of head-scratching was going on after Schiano’s decision not to be more aggressive with the play calling.
Schiano did respond to move.
#Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said his team wasn't going to be "overly aggressive" on offense in the first overtime, and used its third play to center the ball for kicker Valentino Ambrosio.
"I definitely felt like that was in his range. Just wasn't tonight, wasn't meant to be."
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 22, 2020