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Topic: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations

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medinabuckeye1

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #28 on: September 26, 2023, 08:43:38 AM »
What does the group think?  How do YOU define a "Hail Mary"?  

To me it is a play run in the final seconds by a team that is behind by one score (ie, could win or tie by scoring) where said play is run from far enough out that the offense can't realistically score on a "normal" play so they have to get wacky/crazy.  

Ie, I wouldn't consider tOSU's play from the ND 1 yard line a Hail Mary (even if they had thrown it) because that is so close to the goal that you aren't running wacky stuff, just running a normal play.  

I'd say the same thing even if they hadn't gotten the first down at the 1 and had run their final play from ~30 yards out because even from there the QB can target a specific WR relatively accurately. 

It only becomes a "Hail Mary" in my estimation when you get to round midfield where the QB can't realistically target a specific WR and just has to chuck  the ball up and see what happens.  

Brutus Buckeye

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #29 on: September 26, 2023, 08:51:03 AM »
I mean he threw this one from the 50


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bEPylRzJcc

and it happened to Nebraska three or four times that year. 
1919, 20, 21, 28, 29, 31, 34, 35, 36, 37, 42, 44
WWH: 1952, 54, 55, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 67, 68, 70, 72, 74, 75
1979, 81, 82, 84, 87, 94, 98
2001, 02, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

medinabuckeye1

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #30 on: September 26, 2023, 08:51:58 AM »
I idly wonder if one might go "wildcat" and eliminate the QB from the equation with 75 yards to go.  A QB is kind of a useless player once he hands it off or throws a short pass (with some exceptions).  If you use a "14" formation, just put the shiftiest back on direct snap and go for it ...?
This is going the same direction as my thinking.  

When I considered personnel above I replaced the OT's and OG's with TE's because I reasoned that TE's are faster so they can keep up with the play and contribute downfield.  

I had kept the C and QB only to assure a smooth exchange but your idea to eliminate the QB fits with that thinking.  

Cincydawg

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #31 on: September 26, 2023, 08:57:19 AM »
I view a "HM" as a pass play, we're here discussing options from 75 yards out and one play to go.  Is a hook and lateral a "HM"?  I'd be OK with that.  Is a screen pass followed by multiple laterals an HM?  I'd guess not.

But in common parlance, a HM refers to ANY very low percentage option when one is desparate.

FearlessF

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #32 on: September 26, 2023, 09:17:40 AM »
IMO a hail mary is a desperation long pass - a one time heave with your eyes closed and a prayer

not a bunch of laterals or other silliness
"Courage; Generosity; Fairness; Honor; In these are the true awards of manly sport."

Cincydawg

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #33 on: September 26, 2023, 09:51:29 AM »
The term is used broadly in things other than football of course.

FearlessF

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #34 on: September 26, 2023, 10:20:18 AM »
The term is used broadly in things other than football of course.
yes, but this is a football board
"Courage; Generosity; Fairness; Honor; In these are the true awards of manly sport."

Cincydawg

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #35 on: September 26, 2023, 10:23:11 AM »
If the term is used broadly to mean "a last gasp desparate play against the odds", it could be used for a running play in football.  Whether it is or not just depends on the individual.

FearlessF

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #36 on: September 26, 2023, 10:31:55 AM »
yup, some individuals are wrong  ;)
"Courage; Generosity; Fairness; Honor; In these are the true awards of manly sport."

betarhoalphadelta

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #37 on: September 26, 2023, 10:59:41 AM »
If the term is used broadly to mean "a last gasp desparate play against the odds", it could be used for a running play in football.  Whether it is or not just depends on the individual.
It could, but it is not. 

Using it in that context would be like inviting @utee94 for sandwiches and serving tacos. You can argue that it's an acceptable use of the term and still have it be poor communication. 

utee94

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #38 on: September 26, 2023, 11:11:37 AM »
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE tacos.

But yeah, I would be confused and consider it a miscommunication.

On a football message board full of football savvy fans, if someone makes a reference to a "hail Mary" play then I'm going to assume it's a low percentage long pass play, with the intention of scoring a touchdown, and I'll also likely infer that it was at the end of a half, when such plays are most common.


847badgerfan

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #39 on: September 26, 2023, 11:32:53 AM »
What does the group think?  How do YOU define a "Hail Mary"? 

To me it is a play run in the final seconds by a team that is behind by one score (ie, could win or tie by scoring) where said play is run from far enough out that the offense can't realistically score on a "normal" play so they have to get wacky/crazy. 
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Cincydawg

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #40 on: September 26, 2023, 11:51:47 AM »
Could we distinguish between a "Hail Mary PLAY" and a "Hail Mary Pass"?

utee94

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Re: End of game "Hail Mary" type situations
« Reply #41 on: September 26, 2023, 12:36:05 PM »
Could we distinguish between a "Hail Mary PLAY" and a "Hail Mary Pass"?

You could, but I don't.  A Hail Mary play IS a Hail Mary pass.  The "Hail Mary" bit is the part where you're praying while that moon ball arcs its way toward the goal line and the 18-20 players waiting for it there.  That's the entire point of the name.

 

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