Gibbons Named Semifinalist for Lou Groza Award (Best Kicker)

Submitted by sundaybluedysunday on

If anyone had told you this would happen two years ago, you would have been completely justified if you had sucker punched them in the face for insulting your intelligence.

His stats on the year are 13/15 for 86.7% field goals made, with a long of 52 yards.

dothepose

November 5th, 2012 at 12:17 PM ^

His long was 52?? I thought Wile hit that one?

Nevertheless, he's been stellar since Hoke has been here and I no longer fear when our kicker has to go out there.

Space Coyote

November 5th, 2012 at 12:21 PM ^

To date, he is probably your first team Big Ten place kicker, which even after last year, seemed dubious to start the season. But both MSU's kicker and Nebraska's kicker have struggeled this season (coming into the season they were two of the better kickers).

He does have compitition from Iowa's kicker (15/18; long 50) and NW kicker (11/12; long 42) but that's about it, and to date I would say Gibbons beats both of them, which both great and amazing to see.

MichiganStudent

November 5th, 2012 at 12:52 PM ^

Absolutely astounding turnaround. He was one of the worst kickers in college football a few years ago and I dreaded watching us line up for a field goal. Now it has turned close to automatic. 

 

 

andrewG

November 5th, 2012 at 1:09 PM ^

It's fitting that your title actually has to clarify what the Lou Groza award is since our fan base is not familiar with such things from recent years.

UM2018

November 5th, 2012 at 1:29 PM ^

The improvement of our kicking game really mirrors the improvement of the whole team over the past several years. Very happy for him and he couldn't have had much better of a season thus far.

Away Goal

November 5th, 2012 at 4:50 PM ^

I've thought this too.  The across-the-board improved confidence has been very noticeable.  

It seemed like in 2010 his extra points barely even made it to the net.  Now he is hitting 52 yarders.  It gives hope for continued improvement in all facets.

UM2018

November 5th, 2012 at 1:31 PM ^

When the game comes down to the line and we need a clutch field goal, I'm finally confident again that we'll make it. He had game winners in the Sugar Bowl and against MSU a few weeks ago, its good that he's finally being recognized

mGrowOld

November 5th, 2012 at 1:36 PM ^

That's hilarious.  Next thing you know you're going to try and sell me on the idea that Michigan has a good defense too.

Hardy-har-har OP.  Good one!

Sincerely,

A Michigan fan that has been under a rock since 2010 

aiglick

November 5th, 2012 at 5:32 PM ^

For old time's sake:

GIBBONS YOU GO WIN THAT AWARD

/just kidding with you Gibbons but seriously great work and hope you win. If not you've been invaluable to the team which is great in and of itself.