This probably would have been better to see against Oklahoma instead of Baylor. Do it against a team we have less of a chance beating.
I disagree. It was a better call against a baylor for 2 reasons I can think of.
Baylor is so offensively minded and want space for their offense.
Also less likely to expect an gimmick as an equalizer.
OU will be ready for it either way. Baylor was caught off guard, plus there are some things about baylor that make it even less of a gamble.
They want you in space to beat you, and a short field neutralizes that more and more. So the "failed onsides" doesn't hurt as badly. With our bend don't break, redzone slanted defense, It is even better when shortening the field for baylor not only gives them less space, the D used less energy defending a longer drive. With ISU it often seems that it comes down to a stop in the red zone either way, so if part of the "fail" just happens to be fewer plays for the D to defend. Its a small thing but it is something that makes it still less of a risk. Not saing the short field is a good thing, just that its less of a big deal against a team like baylor.
Now you do the same thing with OU and they are just going to try to Overpower the Defense either way, and in a situation like that = more plays and means more chances for the D to make a play. Shortening the field on OU is dangerous, because they are more balanced and aren't JUST looking to get defenders spread and in space. They'll do that too, but they are also more capeable of pounding it out with more power and consistancy.
I like the call better against baylor than w/ OU. But wouldn't be opposed to both, just for different reasons.