Fourth quarter hurry up offense

When trailing in the fourth quarter and time running out, the trailing team will go into its "hurry up offense" -- no huddle, quick plays, aggressive, trying to keep the defense off balance, the ball moving quickly.

That was McCain tonight.

The defense in such situations will usually go into a zone defense and play loose -- the idea is to surrender the short yards but prevent the big game-changing play, all the while chewing up the clock.

That was Obama tonight.

Scoring a field goal doesn't help you when you're down three touchdowns.