[DC 86]

I think Shaw took the points off the board due to his confidence in McKee, who is both very accurate (15 for 18 in the prior game), and appears to make sound choices, AND the fact that he has four very solid receivers AND I think he thought that they could outperform SC's defense.

I also think he was trying to make a point to his team. I think a lot rides on confidence, Shaw showed that he had confidence in going for it -- and even if he was unsuccessful, the confidence boost would have been helpful, and the defense would have been in a great position.  When Stanford scored the TD, their confidence soared and SC's confidence sagged.  I think it had a major impact on the game, and by extension, a major impact on the season.

Strongly agree; I think the decision to go for it had major metagame implications that Shaw understood and acted upon. The big picture upside of scoring a TD in that situation went far beyond the net gain of four points.

[DC 86]

I think Shaw took the points off the board due to his confidence in McKee, who is both very accurate (15 for 18 in the prior game), and appears to make sound choices, AND the fact that he has four very solid receivers AND I think he thought that they could outperform SC's defense.

I also think he was trying to make a point to his team. I think a lot rides on confidence, Shaw showed that he had confidence in going for it -- and even if he was unsuccessful, the confidence boost would have been helpful, and the defense would have been in a great position.  When Stanford scored the TD, their confidence soared and SC's confidence sagged.  I think it had a major impact on the game, and by extension, a major impact on the season.

Strongly agree; I think the decision to go for it had major metagame implications that Shaw understood and acted upon. The big picture upside of scoring a TD in that situation went far beyond the net gain of four points.