Anybody criticizing this decision is a worst nightmare for a coach. It was OBVIOUSLY the correct decision. Team is 0-2 on onside kicks. Were the odds very high that it would matter? No, but the odds got to like 1% by sliding. Any coach in the world would say it was the correct decision.

I had no problem with it.

we had 3rd and goal at the 8/ then raleek ran it in there. if raleek didnt score we would attempt a field goal up by 7. what could go wrong with our great special teams there? a block and score to tie? maybe

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by Thorn007

2 hours ago, Thorn007 said:

we had 3rd and goal at the 8/ then raleek ran it in there. if raleek didnt score we would attempt a field goal up by 7. what could go wrong with our great special teams there? a block and score to tie? maybe

If he wouldn’t have scored, the clock would have ticked down to around 40 seconds.

Even with a missed 27 yard FG, you are asking Missouri to go 90 yards in 40 seconds to tie the game. I’d like our chances.

I honestly don't understand the criticism of Littleton on this play. Some people are looking at it as a missed opportunity for a defensive touchdown instead of looking at the bigger picture. This was about winning the game, not padding stats or making a highlight reel.

He recognized the situation, understood the importance of the clock and Missouri's remaining timeouts, and made a decision that put the team's best interests ahead of his own. We were going to have a two-score lead either way. Why give Missouri more time and another opportunity to make something happen, especially considering our recent history with onside kicks?

I also agree with the point about trust in the offense. Littleton was essentially saying, "I've done my part. Now let's finish this." That's leadership, awareness, and an unselfish team-first mentality.

You don't always have to make the flashy play to make the winning play. I give the young man a lot of credit. That's exactly the kind of football IQ and selflessness you want from a Longhorn. 🤘

Come to think of it, I'm beginning to wonder if the coaches actually told the players NOT to score in that situation! 😂 Seriously, it wouldn't surprise me. Situational football, protecting the lead, managing the clock, and eliminating any unnecessary opportunities for Missouri to get back in the game.

Everybody wants the highlight-reel touchdown, but sometimes the smartest play is the one that doesn't show up on the stat sheet. Maybe Littleton knew exactly what he was supposed to do. Either way, I thought it was a heads-up, team-first play. 🤘