I was livid when Sark chose to go for it. It gives the other side a chance for celebration and rejuvenation. The UH game is the perfect example. There are, of course, other examples in Sark's tenure and Herman's.
I think the decision this time is mitigated by the poor performance of Auburn. That mitigates the decision, but does not fully justify it.
Sometimes, I think head coaches get too tied up in the math of the score. Going for it yesterday may have been the best chance to score, but the risk was the victory the other team may get when they are on the ropes. Missing a field goal is a relief to the other side rather than a victory.
I still think Sark should have kicked, but this decision wasn't as stupid as other times. I still think Sark is learning. He went with the running game yesterday. He blamed himself for not doing so more often in the past.
I admire cold self-assessment in anyone. It's not easy when the world is celebrating your success. I really like our coach.