Fourth down: When to go for it and why

[Orangebowl]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/05/upshot/4th-down-when-to-go-for-it-and-why.html?_r=0


Imagine if we decided to follow these suggestions. Bring the offense onto the field when it's fourth and 1 at the 10. Not the opponent's 10, but our own 10.

 

[Orangebowl]

Here is when the article says to go for it

Fourth and 1: Everywhere starting at your own 9 (Note: You can't actually face 4th and 1 until you're at your own 10)
Fourth and 2: Everywhere starting at own 27
Fourth and 3: Everywhere starting at own 40
Fourth and 4: Own 45 to opponent 29
Fourth and 5:Midfield to opponent 33
Fourth and 6: Opponent 47 to opponent 35
Fourth and 7: Opponent 44 to opponent 36
Fourth and 8:Opponent 41 to opponent 37
Fourth and 9: Opponent 38
Fourth and 10+: Do not award your offense with another down

This is for NFL teams not college. That means that college teams should be more aggressive on the opponent's end since the field goal kickers aren't as good.