Bearcats#1
Ad nauseam King
Posts: 45,310
Joined: Jun 2005
Reputation: 1224
I Root For: Pony94
Location: In your head.
|
Special Teams
We can all agree, Special Teams was by in large a train wreck last year and hurt us multiple times.
I always said our special teams play under Dantonio/BK/BJ was an overlooked piece to our success. Last year we saw what happens when you don't have good or even solid special teams.
I'd like to discuss the special teams unit this year (k, p, kr, pr, coverage etc).
Does anybody have any insight as to how this unit as a whole may perform this year vs last year?
I know we have a new coach at special teams...Marc Nudelberg. Anybody hear any news about what he wants to do differently etc?
Here are some quick stats for us from last year:
Ranked 121st in net punting (ugh)
Field Goals: Miliano 7 for 17 (ugh)
Long KR: 38 yds
Long PR: 35 yds
Good news...it won't take much to improve on any of these! haha
thoughts, insights, etc?
|
|
07-12-2014 07:22 AM |
|
rosewater
Heisman
Posts: 5,666
Joined: Feb 2008
Reputation: 158
I Root For: cincy
Location:
|
RE: Special Teams
It is cliché now, but whoever said that special teams are 1/3 of the game was correct. How many times have we seen the tenor of a game changed due to a blocked punt or a missed extra point. For example, last years Houston game was dominated by the Bearcats, but the final spread was a touchdown due to a horrendous kicking game. I saw a 70 yard Kevin Huber punt against NC state change field position and lead the cats to a home victory against a solid team. The Liberty Bowl was won on a kick return.
All that notwithstanding, I worry about our special teams. I do remember one of the kickers with a long field goal in the Spring Game. I thought the punting was terrible. The punt returners were hesitant to catch the ball in the air (not a good sign). Hopefully, the exposure by North Carolina last year will not be forgotten.
|
|
07-12-2014 10:30 AM |
|
Bearcats#1
Ad nauseam King
Posts: 45,310
Joined: Jun 2005
Reputation: 1224
I Root For: Pony94
Location: In your head.
|
RE: Special Teams
During Huber years he was able to flip the field so well we just got spoiled.
Now, I know a Kevin Huber doesn't come along every year but man...I hope we are better there.
I also hope our KR/PR coverage is improved.
Finally...I hope whatever happened to Miliano, it's passed and he can get back to how he was two years ago.
I'm very concerned about out special teams unit as a whole...like, every aspect.
|
|
07-12-2014 01:57 PM |
|
Dannyboy
All American
Posts: 2,559
Joined: Aug 2013
Reputation: 63
I Root For: Bearcats
Location:
|
RE: Special Teams
Miliano nailed a big FG in the Spring Game......and missed an XP. Special teams are totally up in the air.
|
|
07-13-2014 12:53 AM |
|