I've noticed that instead of fielding kickoffs, we have favored letting them roll through the end zone and take the touchbacks instead. For a team that has had a tremendous amount of success in this area over the last several years, it seems the mentality as a team has changed.

I know we have had a changing in coaching, but why wouldn't you exploit the explosive players you have and attempt to get great field position or even a score here and there?

(09-21-2021 12:22 PM)ByrdDogX Wrote:  I've noticed that instead of fielding kickoffs, we have favored letting them roll through the end zone and take the touchbacks instead. For a team that has had a tremendous amount of success in this area over the last several years, it seems the mentality as a team has changed.

I know we have had a changing in coaching, but why wouldn't you exploit the explosive players you have and attempt to get great field position or even a score here and there?

We didn't have any kickoff returns last year for TD. In 2019 we had 3 for 94,97 and 99 yards. Those kicks from Miss State were pretty deep in the end zone.

(09-21-2021 12:22 PM)ByrdDogX Wrote:  I've noticed that instead of fielding kickoffs, we have favored letting them roll through the end zone and take the touchbacks instead. For a team that has had a tremendous amount of success in this area over the last several years, it seems the mentality as a team has changed.

I know we have had a changing in coaching, but why wouldn't you exploit the explosive players you have and attempt to get great field position or even a score here and there?

The odds of getting anything more than the default for letting it go is very low once the ball passes the goal line plane.

Some coaches play what the odds say is best. Some gamble. But I would venture that 2019 had some exceptional talent that we will be hard pressed to ever duplicate. It's more than speed. Strength, field vision, timing, lateral moves, quick acceleration all play a role in a superior KO return specialist.

(09-21-2021 01:01 PM)Tigerx3 Wrote:  

(09-21-2021 12:22 PM)ByrdDogX Wrote:  I've noticed that instead of fielding kickoffs, we have favored letting them roll through the end zone and take the touchbacks instead. For a team that has had a tremendous amount of success in this area over the last several years, it seems the mentality as a team has changed.

I know we have had a changing in coaching, but why wouldn't you exploit the explosive players you have and attempt to get great field position or even a score here and there?

The odds of getting anything more than the default for letting it go is very low once the ball passes the goal line plane.

Some coaches play what the odds say is best. Some gamble. But I would venture that 2019 had some exceptional talent that we will be hard pressed to ever duplicate. It's more than speed. Strength, field vision, timing, lateral moves, quick acceleration all play a role in a superior KO return specialist.

You forgot "a huge brass set"...

(09-21-2021 01:29 PM)geosnooker2000 Wrote:  

(09-21-2021 01:01 PM)Tigerx3 Wrote:  

(09-21-2021 12:22 PM)ByrdDogX Wrote:  I've noticed that instead of fielding kickoffs, we have favored letting them roll through the end zone and take the touchbacks instead. For a team that has had a tremendous amount of success in this area over the last several years, it seems the mentality as a team has changed.

I know we have had a changing in coaching, but why wouldn't you exploit the explosive players you have and attempt to get great field position or even a score here and there?

The odds of getting anything more than the default for letting it go is very low once the ball passes the goal line plane.

Some coaches play what the odds say is best. Some gamble. But I would venture that 2019 had some exceptional talent that we will be hard pressed to ever duplicate. It's more than speed. Strength, field vision, timing, lateral moves, quick acceleration all play a role in a superior KO return specialist.

You forgot "a huge brass set"...

I would be hard pressed to mention anything more important for a kick returner!

An extra 5 yards on spot these day.
Less risk for player injury.
Less risk of turnover.
Playing the odds.

I suspect if we get some flatter kicks, we will try to return.

I sat at the goal line against State. Some balls were hitting right at the goal line. I guess I'm just old school of thinking opportunity to make things happen.

I just think back to Gibson's return against SMU and how much they swing momentum. Not to mention the record held by Tony Pollard during his time here

(09-21-2021 04:25 PM)ByrdDogX Wrote:  I sat at the goal line against State. Some balls were hitting right at the goal line. I guess I'm just old school of thinking opportunity to make things happen.

I just think back to Gibson's return against SMU and how much they swing momentum. Not to mention the record held by Tony Pollard during his time here

Both of those guys are now playing in the NFL. Gabe Rogers is a very capable Kick returner and has already successfully returned kicks this season. If the situation warrants he will return kicks from the end zone.

(09-21-2021 04:25 PM)ByrdDogX Wrote:  I sat at the goal line against State. Some balls were hitting right at the goal line. I guess I'm just old school of thinking opportunity to make things happen.

I just think back to Gibson's return against SMU and how much they swing momentum. Not to mention the record held by Tony Pollard during his time here

I similarly sit near the endzone (12 yard line). I got to see what you saw, and the one thing I noticed was how high their guy kicked. They have a very good kicker. He gives his kick-cover team LOTS of time to get down and cover.