This includes every play of the 4th quarter. For more detail of the end of the game, check the video I posted earlier, "Nebraska's final possession vs. Miami, 1984 Orange Bowl"
Since UM did not score (and it wouldn't have mattered anyway), the next TD made it 31-29 if they missed the 2P prior. As you can see, going for the 2P is the only option here. Miss, they lose, get it, they tie and win the NC. However, it's a different kind of tie because they did not back into it. If it's 31-25, the next TD ties the game, and you attempt an XP and win the NC regardless. By kicking a XP & having the score @ 31-24, it was a lose-lose decision. A 2P at 31-23 was a win-win
If Nebraska had gone for the XP and missed it at 31-30, it would have been a disaster. They were 75/81 on XP's (0.926) for the season. You can't tell me that this team with that momentum had less than a 46.3% chance of getting two. In essence, it was the better mathematical play - but it did not have to ever occur. Since Nebraska had every intention of winning, they should have gone for the 2P at 31-23. (cont)
Nebraska would not have won the title with a tie. Nebraska was #1 and wildly expected to win this game. Tom Osbourne went for the win because he knew they weren't going to win the title with just a tie.
Since UM did not score (and it wouldn't have mattered anyway), the next TD made it 31-29 if they missed the 2P prior. As you can see, going for the 2P is the only option here. Miss, they lose, get it, they tie and win the NC. However, it's a different kind of tie because they did not back into it. If it's 31-25, the next TD ties the game, and you attempt an XP and win the NC regardless. By kicking a XP & having the score @ 31-24, it was a lose-lose decision. A 2P at 31-23 was a win-win
gynandroidhead 7 months ago
If Nebraska had gone for the XP and missed it at 31-30, it would have been a disaster. They were 75/81 on XP's (0.926) for the season. You can't tell me that this team with that momentum had less than a 46.3% chance of getting two. In essence, it was the better mathematical play - but it did not have to ever occur. Since Nebraska had every intention of winning, they should have gone for the 2P at 31-23. (cont)
gynandroidhead 7 months ago
Nebraska would not have won the title with a tie. Nebraska was #1 and wildly expected to win this game. Tom Osbourne went for the win because he knew they weren't going to win the title with just a tie.
Bei1052 8 months ago
Should've kicked the PAT. A tie would've won Nebraska the national championship that year.
PS-no I'm not a Nebraska fan. I'm just stating the facts.
RockSmithStudio 9 months ago
@volvo4377 they still ended up scoring so whatever
nick2191993 1 year ago
Greatest game ever played.
Cad3nG 1 year ago