[TTChamp]

Another way off seeing this is that the chance of victory in regulation is the same if Team A goes for two on the first touchdown or the second touchdown, but there is a much higher chance of getting to overtime if Team A goes for 2 first.

I can't figure out why teams don't go for two on the first score more often. One explanation is that the typical football fan (or coach) is not very good at statistics.

I have two other sports situations where teams don't follow the best strategy:

1. A football team is down by 1 point with 90 seconds and the opposing team has 1st and goal from the 5 yard line. I think the best strategy is for the defense to let the other team score a touchdown and the best strategy for the offense is to go for 2 if they score a touchdown. Neither team usually takes the strategy though.

2. A basketball team is up by 3 with 20 seconds remaining. The other team has the ball. I think the best strtegy is to foul and not allow the other team a chance to shot a 3. Ocasionally a team will do this.

Has anyone ever seen or done an analysis of these situations.

PS Sorry for hijacking the thread.