why do teams play to run out the clock and not win

[ducks]

when the football teams play to run out the clock and not win. 90% of the team it comes back to haunt them. why do coaches do this?

the irish were getting their butts kicked at half time. the other team came out conserative and wanting to run out the clock. and they lost by 4 points.

[SAmikeyp]

they are too afraid of making a mistake.

[Rabel 13]

its an absence of testicles.

[ducks]

I think they should play the same way that got them the big lead