Gibbons Named Semifinalist for Lou Groza Award (Best Kicker)
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.
November 5th, 2012 at 12:13 PM ^
November 5th, 2012 at 12:14 PM ^
November 5th, 2012 at 12:15 PM ^
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.
November 5th, 2012 at 12:19 PM ^
Hit the 52 yarder against Nebraska after Wile missed short from 48.
November 5th, 2012 at 12:24 PM ^
Ahh, I just looked it up. I thought Wile hit a 50+ against MSU but it was only 48. I actually know less by being at the games than I do when I watch on TV. Also, I was probably distracted trying to watch Nebraska and the World Series at the same time in my house.
November 5th, 2012 at 1:25 PM ^
I'm still amazed he hit the 52 yarder. The wind was at his back, but 52 yards?
November 5th, 2012 at 12:21 PM ^
An ideal model for dedication and hard work. Congrats young man.
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.
November 5th, 2012 at 12:25 PM ^
Example: Tulane Kicker Cairo Santos. 14/14 on the season with a long of 57 and 2/2 from 50+. But 20/21 on extra points...
November 5th, 2012 at 12:38 PM ^
Thats not really that strange. Missing 1 after 20 attempts, no matter how easy it is, can occur due to some fluky thing. Maybe the holder had a bad hold for that 1 missed PAT.
November 5th, 2012 at 12:39 PM ^
When he wins this award they should also present him with a brunette girl.
November 5th, 2012 at 1:41 PM ^
They should present a brunette girl to each of us who had to endure 2010.
Good for Gibbons...what great turnaround.
November 5th, 2012 at 12:42 PM ^
Incredible turn around that Gibby's even in the discussion.
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.
November 5th, 2012 at 11:28 PM ^
FWIW, he only attempted five FGs in 2010. Seth Broekhuizen attempted nine.
November 5th, 2012 at 12:55 PM ^
Didn't see it two years ago, just another good thing about our coaches perhaps.
November 5th, 2012 at 1:04 PM ^
"Those who stay will be champions" --Bo Schembechler
Another fine example. Well done, young man.
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.
November 5th, 2012 at 1:25 PM ^
Damn right he is
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.
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.
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
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
November 5th, 2012 at 1:55 PM ^
And check some of those posts that mercilessly ripped him....but you know who you are.
November 5th, 2012 at 2:02 PM ^
#11, Gibbons.
November 5th, 2012 at 5:32 PM ^
November 5th, 2012 at 6:18 PM ^
If it means anything, Groza was a brunette. But, ya know, he's not a girl..
November 6th, 2012 at 10:20 AM ^
November 6th, 2012 at 2:56 PM ^
It is black now but for him they should make the trophy brown like it was a few years ago.