Chalk Talk – The money down

There is no more important down in the game of football than third down. Offensive drives are defined by converted or failed third down conversions. Third down also carries with it a huge amount of momentum. Defenses either have to stay on the field and compose themselves for a whole new gambit of situations that come with a 1^st and 10; or they get to trot off the field, high five their teammates, and sit down.

In last Saturday’s game against ISU, Texas was able to capitalize on crucial third down situations faced by both the offense and defense with great team play. Texas’ defense was able to stop 10 of 19 third downs, including two that ended with turnovers. The offense struggled on third down by converting only 5 of the 13 opportunities; however, if you exclude Texas’ cursed (for whatever reason) third quarter, the Horns converted 5 of 9.

Midway through the second quarter, Texas found themselves down 21-14 with a drive beginning at their own 28-yard line. Seven plays later and 33 yards down the field, Tyrone Swoopes and the Texas offense found themselves in a critical 3^rd and 3 situation. Outside of field goal range, Texas needed to convert on the 3rd down or be forced to punt on the next play. Lining up in a ‘pistol’ set with the tight end right, Texas ran a passing play that sent all four eligible receivers in routes, leaving the offensive line in empty protection. Texas handled the four man rush and Tyrone Swoopes completed the only third down of a 9-play 72-yard drive (fig 1).