The Kicking Game. Will Michigan's Improve?
There were a lot of mistakes in last year's season and for you maize and blue fans up north I don't believe I need to go into greater detail about some of them however the biggest flaw that really stuck out when I watched some of the games this year was how aweful Michigan's kicking game has become. In 2008 Lopata wasn't great and this past year Olesnavage or whatever his name is wasn't much better. Did Michigan do better in recruiting a stronger kicker for 2010? Or is Olesnavage still your main leg?
With such "aweful" spelling, I am guessing that the OP comes from the OSU side of the "house divided?"
That "your main leg" seems a little suspicious as well.
Hahahaha, no I'm just kidding. Three of my ancestors were though. 1st Infantry for Joseph Ruffener, 5th Infantry for Kenneth Ruffener and Andrew Ruffener.
Olesnavage converted 11-of-15 field goals and 42-of-43 point-after-attempts.
I was very happy with how the kicking game ended up last year for Olesnavage.
UM ended up ranked #3 in the nation in net punting. Just like most chicken littles/trolls, you never do any research before you open your mouths. Thanks for trying, NEXT!!!
If you replace Michigan with Ohio State in your original post, then I think we have something to talk about.
#90 ranked punter, #41 net punting, 14 of 20 field goals.
She is usually anti whatever I am. Never figured out why if it is a just to piss you off sort of thing or an I'm flirting and being interested. You got me because that has always been the problem that I have been confused over.
what?
anti-you, does that mean she's a slut?
Gibbons has a hammer but sprays them all over. At the spring game they said they got a kicker from the soccer team, which usually translates to more accuracy. Don't remember his name. All in all, I would say it is shaky, but not atrocious.
I am very concerned with the punting game, based on spring game. I am not as worried at this point regarding field goals - average, but not great legs here.
The truth is found during the season - until then, just another thing to worry about.
All things considered, we had a solid kicking game with another walk-on and the Space Emperor.
We should be OK this year. Gibbons has the leg strength, but he needs to be more consistent. Will Hagerup will be the punter when he arrives this summer.
I expect us to be in alot of close games this year, so the kicking game could be difference betwen bowl season and another losing season.
I expect Forcier to say in on many fourth downs, he has proven he can punt, but his play-making ability could allow for Michigan to keep many drives alive even on 4th and whatever. So, we may not need much of a kicking game this year.
I like the idea of using Tate's punting ability to keep our QB on the field to possibly going for it on 4th, but relying too heavily on fake punts with Tate makes me a little nervous. Plus, that strategy won't work in FG range, and the kicking (not punting) is of bigger concern, in my opinion.
I agree field goals are a bit of a concern, I just thinking outside of the box. However, remembering the Purdue games with them fake punting, I hope we convert every 4th down against them this year, or that we are never in a 4th down situation.
Hagerup will definitely be the punter. As for the kicker, I was really impressed with Justin Meram's performance at the spring game. He is a captain and the leading goal scorer on the soccer team. I wouldn't be surprised if he won the starting job.
It seems to me the place kicking is wide open. Michigan does have two walk on's coming in. One of those guys is from Pioneer across the street.
I would admit that, while our K and P game was excellent last year, we are eally starting over this year.
The punting in the Spring game was atrocious, but, assuming Will-Verine Hagerup has college-level maturity, he should be a great punter for us for the next four years.
The fact that Gibbons couldn't beat out a walk-on last year, and hasn't separated himself this spring is disturbing. I wasnt at the SG, but from what I could see on the BTN and posted pix, our kickers are not at a B10 level in technique right now. Converted soccer players almost never have the right FG technique without a lot of work. The motion is close, but not close enough that you can just kick it like a soccer ball. It's not an easy transition. Gibbons looks very inflexible, which is why it appears he hits lots of low balls.
My sources indicate that Will-Verine is being encouraged (pressured) by the coaching staff to prepare to compete for kicking dutes in addtion to punting when he arrives. From his youtube stuff, he looks like he could be a big time kicker, too, and unlik the others, his technique looks extremely sound right now.