I'll ask the same question I did after the BG game. Kent St. called their last timeout after 1st down and there was 1:27 left. Why did we run a play? Two kneeldowns and it's a ball game. Brown ran for a first down on the ensuing play but that ball almost got stripped from behind.
you are right, no need to take a risk.
we would still need three plays. :40 + :40 = 1:20
This brings up a question... What determines a 25 second play clock vs 40? I can't tell which one applies to which situation.
On a play where there is no stoppage, just a normal down that ends without an official stopping the clock (i.e. helmet comes off, penalty, officials time out, injury time out, review, or regular timeout) all plays will start on the :40 second play clock. The clock will start as soon as the officials raise their hand signaling the end of the last down.
Plays where the clock stops (other than a first down, incomplete pass, or ball out of bounds) the clock will start on the 'ready' and will be :25 sec in duration.