Yeah, but they were in the Bahamas. Plus they get to go home for Xmas break and see friends and family. No more workouts until 2nd semester. Not a bad deal.
Probably didn't feel they would get the ball back. As for the onsides attempt, I guess the plan was to kick it just far enough to avoid the front line of the receiving team and hope the ball catches someone by surprise and is fumbled. Personally, I like the high bouncing kick for the onsides attempt.