Lone Clone posted something about our record in close games this year (0-3) and that got me thinking about what that record is the last 3 years.
2015 - 0 wins, 3 losses
2014 - 2 wins, 4 losses (Toledo wasn't close until a late touchdown by them, but it was competitive into the 4th quarter which is kind of my criteria.)
2013 - 1 win, 5 losses
That is a total record of 3 - 12 in games that were winnable in the 4th quarter. And that doesn't take in inexplicable losses to NDSU and Kansas, which were not close.
As with everything, there are multiple causes: talent, coaching, poor officiating calls a few times, horrible execution at critical moments which can be both talent and coaching, and sometimes just inexplicable bad luck. But we do NOT win our fair share of close games, at least in the last 3 years.
And that doesn't address the 4-6 blowouts a year. But the first thing that needs to change is the ability to win close contests. Some call that finishing. I just call it finding a way to win.
2015 - 0 wins, 3 losses
2014 - 2 wins, 4 losses (Toledo wasn't close until a late touchdown by them, but it was competitive into the 4th quarter which is kind of my criteria.)
2013 - 1 win, 5 losses
That is a total record of 3 - 12 in games that were winnable in the 4th quarter. And that doesn't take in inexplicable losses to NDSU and Kansas, which were not close.
As with everything, there are multiple causes: talent, coaching, poor officiating calls a few times, horrible execution at critical moments which can be both talent and coaching, and sometimes just inexplicable bad luck. But we do NOT win our fair share of close games, at least in the last 3 years.
And that doesn't address the 4-6 blowouts a year. But the first thing that needs to change is the ability to win close contests. Some call that finishing. I just call it finding a way to win.
