[Goose]

Part of basic game clock management is removing worst-case downside at EOH and EOG.

True, but game clock management is only one aspect of play calling. You also want to call a play that gives you a first down. I assume we came to the line with two plays and Mills chose the pass because they were in an alignment to defend the run. I would have run a fly sweep, as Shaw did last year in a similar situation. It is a play that is a bit unexpected, takes quite a while to develop, and has a shot at making six yards. Just tell the man running it not to give ground even if you won't get the first down (to make sure we stay in FG range). In any case, clock management is ONE aspect of the play selection. It is not the only one. The coach must balance the possible outcomes. One thing I would NOT have done is run a stretch play to the right. They were ready for that big time. What Shaw chose was reasonable.

[Goose]

Part of basic game clock management is removing worst-case downside at EOH and EOG.

True, but game clock management is only one aspect of play calling. You also want to call a play that gives you a first down. I assume we came to the line with two plays and Mills chose the pass because they were in an alignment to defend the run. I would have run a fly sweep, as Shaw did last year in a similar situation. It is a play that is a bit unexpected, takes quite a while to develop, and has a shot at making six yards. Just tell the man running it not to give ground even if you won't get the first down (to make sure we stay in FG range). In any case, clock management is ONE aspect of the play selection. It is not the only one. The coach must balance the possible outcomes. One thing I would NOT have done is run a stretch play to the right. They were ready for that big time. What Shaw chose was reasonable.