ESPN’s Pat Forde observes that there’s been a steady buildup in boldness from college coaches in recent years. He opines that USC didn’t put itself in the position to be “the all-time all-timers” by playing it safe, adding that USC was fourth nationally last year in fourth-down percentage, converting in 20 of 28 opportunities. Pete Carroll explains his philosophy in part,

The impact of converting a fourth-down situation is like creating a turnover…They think they’re getting the ball back, but you keep it and keep the momentum. You’re only a couple of feet short, why not go for it if you have the right play and the guys who can execute it?

Coaches, players embracing trickeration trend (ESPN)