Third Down Conversions: Strategies That Will Move the Chains

It’s pretty difficult to move the ball if you don’t convert your third down opportunities. We talked to three offensive coordinators about their approach to third down plays: Sam Venuto at Villanova University, Alvin Parker at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina and Jim Glover at Lambuth University in Jackson, TN. OVERARCHING PHILOSOPHIES     To Venuto, succeeding on third down is so important that it represents one of the three goals he sets for his offense, with the other two being no drive-stopping penalties and winning the turnover battle. “We feel if we can emphasize those aspects of the game we have a good chance of winning,” he said.     Glover sets a numerical goal. “I’ve researched the importance of third down conversions to coaches. If you look at championship teams from Division I on down, you’ll find they’re all at