Life gets complicated when the remaining field is very short. Defense gets compressed, offensive options are limited, limited or no chance for a first down.

Crazy thought: What about intentionally avoiding the red zone by calling plays further out that are more like "TD or bust"? Probably doesn't work all the time, but maybe at least favoring longer plays that have a good chance at scoring when you're still out at the 25+ yard line, instead of settling for a first down inside the 20, might actually improve the odds of scoring on the drive.

Not a FB expert, so wondering if coaches ever talk openly about a strategy like that.

Also curious about BYU stats this season on TD scoring plays — how many from inside vs. outside the red zone.