Would you take this penalty?
 

I never watch college football, but I happened to see the Pittsburgh-UCF game on TV and have watched it for a few minutes. UCF was down 45-0 in the third quarter, and managed to kick a 35-yard field goal to close the gap at 45-3.

However, there was a roughing the kicker penalty on the play. UCF took the three points off the board and the penalty gave them 1st and goal from the 9.

They scored, but I'm not sure I would've done that. Obviously, they were being killed, and I think I would've rather ensured that there would be no shutout than try to get the 7 instead of 3.

What do you think?

I think you never quit trying to win. I'd take the penalty, get the 7, then onsides kick.

When waaay ahead, display sportsmanship and don't run up the score.

When behind, play like you can still win, even if it's obviously impossible.

At less than NFL levels, this is even more importnat, because the game is about alot more than who wins and who loses. It's about teaching kids about effort, keeping your nose to the grindstone, good sportsmanship, etc.

screw that

Winning is everything

Those that are ok with losing end up losers

I think I'd take the penalty. If you're concerned about avoiding the shutout, run safe plays (no risky passes for example) and see what happens. You'll either get the TD or have a chip shot for the FG. Might as well try!

I'd change the channel.

Yeah, I did when it was 14-0.

The ball game is pretty good right now

When I was a wee lad, my father told me he had once seen Notre Dame score 3 TD's in two minutes. And that I should never give up.

Bill Callahan would agree with you.

err....what? I said never quit trying to win, even when it's impossible. But winning is not everything. If you have to cheat to win, or take out the opposing team's QB's knee, or whatever, then you've already agreed there are limits.

I think you could argue that taking the three points isn't giving up. You're breaking the drought.