One thing I have definitely noticed in the first 2 games is our inability to kick it even close to the endzone. Most have average being fielded at the 5-10 yard line. Watching other games many kickers easily get a touchback over 50% of the time. Arceo almost made that long field goal but does he not have that strong of a leg? Would switching to Vander Kamp be a better option? As our opponents get better, field position will become an even bigger factor.
Kickoffs
- Thread starter ksclone2
- Start date
I think he intentionally kicks it higher but not as far so the returner can't kneel and get the 25 yard line. It didn't work well in the first game but against Iowa there were several times where he didn't even make it to the 20.
It could also be that they don't want to kick it as deep and prefer to kick it higher, allowing the kick coverage time to get down field. With the new touchback rule bringing the ball to the 25. And the previous average return was to the 22, maybe it is better that they return it. Just throwing ideas out, I could be way off base.
idk. During the Iowa game, we covered extremely well and actually held Iowa behind the 25 yard line on several occasions. So, if we get enough height on the kickoff, I don't mind it landing at the five.
In the Tulsa game it was tough to tell but in the Iowa game I'm pretty sure the goal was to kick it as high and as close to the goal line as possible. Credit goes to Arceo and the kickoff team, there was a night and day difference between the Tulsa game and the Iowa game.
Though, I thought against Tulsa when we were leading, there was one kick he sent to the back of the endzone, Seemed like he was told to make sure there was no return on that kickoff. I could be mistaken though, my memory isn't always the best.
I felt the kickoff (and coverage) was better on Saturday. At this time last year, Arceo was playing PS3, odds are he's improving :laugh:
It's definitely intentional. Arceo has plenty of leg to get it deep into the end zone, but they are kicking it high to get them inside the 20.
I have stated before and agree! You have to figure there are two totally different skills here. One- accuracy. Two distance. put the ball into the end zone every time-don't risk a return, injury, or penalty.
I agree with this. The real risk on the kickoff should be them taking it back to midfield or worse. Starting them at the 25 every single time is more than sufficient for our defense. This way there is zero chance to have great field position off a kickoff. It does minimal good to start them at the 15-24 yard line.
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That's one philosophy. The other is that the additional potential field position is worth it. A good kick coverage can fire up the D, and set the tone for the series. Sure, there are risks. Field position and injury are the primary ones, (risk of a penalty is not high, however. The vast, vast majority of penalties on kickoffs are on the receiving team) but there's an upside to it as well.
You'll have to take that up with the coaching staff, because they obviously disagree.
I agree. The penalty point is a good one. That takes it away from the 15 to 25 yard line up side and can put it inside the 10. I would be curious to see throughout college football the percentage of 85 to 95 yard drives that result in an offensive TD. It can't be very high.
If it isn't working and a team is getting big returns the coaching staff can always change their strategy for the remainder of the game and settle for the touchback.
That is a two edged sword. Every time the receiving team is forced to return they are risking injury, penalty or turnover. If you let them have it on the 25 every time they aren't risking any of that except penalties which are rarely called on a touchback.
I would rather give them the ball on the 25 every single time. If our defense plays even mediocre and gives up 25 yards its a punt. If they give up a big return and then our defense plays mediocre the other team gets 3 or 7 on the board.
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Plus the potential field position gained for the offense when our D forces the punt. As long as we have a consistent kicker and good kick coverage you put it up in the air every time.
