OT Coin Toss = 49'ers Demise?
@44slayer
You're looking at the game entirely from an offensive point of view. As if the opposing defenses are all just there for show
The flip side of this argument about "knowing what you need to do to win" also applies to the defense.
I just don't see how its that great of an advantage. Its entirely psychological.
But because of this one data point, I think that coaches will probably always elect to get the ball second, as they do most of the time when winning the toss to start the game - although some do choose to receive and there seems to be no clear advantage/disadvantage.
Also, I'm trying to find what the records are in college for teams that get the ball first, and if coaches always choose to elect to defend fist. While not exactly the same, because you don't have to drive the full length of the field, and its never sudden death (equal possessions), the same logic would seem to apply that you want to get the ball second so you "know what you need to do to win".