dragonchild

November 21st, 2022 at 4:08 PM ^

Dude's underrated.  That may sound weird considering the Groza, but when Michigan went for the 3rd FG that was telling Illinois, "We're gonna get the ball back and have Moody do it again."

That is superstar treatment.  That is not merely "we have a good kicker" sentiment; that is, "we have this guy who's going to win the game for us and you can't stop it" shit.  Aidan Hutchinson, Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum stuff.  I mean, in a way, they basically pulled Blake Corum because they had Moody.  So it doesn't feel right to compartmentalize his contributions anymore.  Jake Moody's not just a good kicker to me; he's every bit a reason why we're undefeated as, say, Mazi Smith or Zak Zinter.

Swayze Howell Sheen

November 21st, 2022 at 4:30 PM ^

man wouldn't it be something for him to kick the game winner this week, something like 34-31, as time expires. then he would lock up the Groza for the second time (and who knows he might anyhow).

A MAN CAN DREAM

tybert

November 21st, 2022 at 6:35 PM ^

I've been following UM football since the 1970s (went to first game, season opener vs. Iowa 1974).

We had more than a few kickers who didn't get it done when it mattered, or at least made me close my eyes when it came time to kick. I feel for a guy like Mike Lantry (1973+74 Ohio tie and loss) because he served in Nam before UM and also probably made the kick at the end of the 1974 game (but I digress). 

Kicking game was mostly a mess under Bo until Haji Sheikh and later Gillette. JD Carlson did make winners vs UCLA and Ohio, both on the road. Ditto for Remy Hamilton (1994 at ND, plus two Fgs at Ohio 1996). 

I had no doubt when we kicked it with 313 or so to go that we would get the ball back and make the winner. Moody is so special after the tire fires we had under RR. To think, the hype about Nordin (who wasn't great but not terrible) when Moody found he way to A2.

Meanwhile, one of the two winners from MSU has played his last down there (unless Mel makes a 5-7 bowl). So glad we have not only clutch players but great people!

dragonchild

November 21st, 2022 at 7:56 PM ^

First game I attended was vs. Virginia 1995. IIRC we finished with 18 points on three TDs. That team couldn’t ask their ST to win the game like last Saturday, no how. Would’ve had to go for TDs both times, even on 4th and 11.

Moody’s reliability changes game decision-making, and that’s huge.

I should also say our long snapper and holder have been machines.