re: Kicking Situation What do y'all think of the Kicking battle?

I'd have to say go with Culp from what I've seen so far.

It's an adventure every time Gonsoulin lines up to kick.

quote:

---

JG misses have all been just to the right . I see this as a fixable offense. The ball does explode off his toe he's the guy if he can adjust...

---

I'm certainly no kicker, but maybe the problem is just like a golf swing in that he's not "getting through" the ball and pushing everything to the right. Remember, BYU was the first time he'd ever attempted a FG in a college game and last Saturday was his first time ever attempting a kick (or at least a meaningful kick) in TS. I'm sure it was nerve-racking. Maybe once he gets comfortable he'll be fine.

Kicker (and punter) are probably the only positions where all eyes are on one player to perform. And there is no margin of error from both the coaches and fans. Think about it. These guys stand on the sidelines 98% of the game until they are asked to go out on the field and perform at nearly a 100% rate (Every coach is aggravated when their kicker misses). Then, if they don't perform they don't immediately get to go to the next play. They have to wait and it's not uncommon for them to lose their job after only one bad kick.

JG clearly has the better leg. There is really no comparison when you watch him and Culp kick side-by-side. Culp's kicks look like they struggle to gain height and distance. JG's explode immediately and somehow never lose distance.

Confidence is 80% of the battle in kicking. One thing that installs confidence is not having to look over your shoulder worrying about being replaced if you miss. O needs to pick his best shot and tell the kid he is our kicker and he will not be yanked unless he proves inadequate over several games. The kicker will likely relax and perform well. PS- as a former kicker, I see Gonsoulin as our best shot.

quote:

---

I prefer the term "debacle"

---

I think it's somewhere in between right now - I'm not saying we aren't on the arc to debacle - just too early to call it that. Obviously "situation" is too neutral and perhaps implies a more positive condition in the kicking department that we currently have.

Maybe "setback"?

I'll preface this with I hate CFB kickers.

The one who kicks is the one who did not miss the last one. When you get 3 in a row, with one of those being above 40yds, competition is over.

ETA:
That being said, I do hope someone who knows what they are looking at is double checking snaps/holds. I'm assuming our special teams consultant guy (name escapes me) is still on payroll and looking at that on film (since he can't be on field).