candyduck No. 1 Share Posted November 27 (edited) This question has been rattling around in my head for a while. As the B1G championship and playoffs approach us, I have a strong feeling FGs are going to come into play big time. As a long time fan, my anxiety level always increases a bit when the field goal unit comes out. I've been more confident with Sappington this year and about dropped dead seeing a 51 yarder that probably would've been good from 60 Boyle drilled at the beginning of the year. It still makes me nervous though! I hope DL has the confidence necessary to put 3 on the board and take points this playoff season. I think every point will be crucial! I think it's very possible it could be a final drive decision to boot! What do y'all think? Can you give me a reason to be less anxious! Edited November 27 by candyduck 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicroBurst61 No. 2 Share Posted November 27 (edited) With the exception of any "Riverboat Gambler Dan" moments, I feel more confident about All aspects of our kicking game than I have about any Oregon kickers room since I can't remember when. Not so concerned about the "yips" creeping in. I can feel confident that our "kicking game" will actually "win" us a game over the next couple months. Confidence level: 8 out of 10. Go Ducks! Edited November 27 by MicroBurst61 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haywarduck Moderator No. 3 Share Posted November 27 The kickoff has to be unreturnable, never out of bounds! If it is out of bounds, it is just like a penalty to start a drive, unacceptable. I do give thanks to having Sappington come to the program. Now Lanning has to manage these guys, and get the best out of them. I have faith that will happen, the talent is there. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastBayDuckDad Moderator No. 4 Share Posted November 27 I can't help but think that some of Riverboat Dan's decisions last year against EweDub were predicated on the highly unreliable leg of Cam Lewis. While Sappington isn't a deadeye in the 50 yd range, he is really good from 40 on in. His leg kept OBD alive against Whisky and he probably should have been allowed to kick the FG that would have given Oregon a six point lead instead of that ill-fated fake late in the 4th qtr. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drake Moderator No. 5 Share Posted November 27 Sappington is 13 of 15 on field goals this year. That is over 86% for the year. Going for it on 4th down is the alternative. Obviously, 4th and inches is different than 4th and long, and a 30 yard FG attempt is different than a 55 yard attempt. Depends on the situation, but 86% seems like reasonable odds out to about 40 yards. There are no guarantees, but that is exactly what makes it a great game to watch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 6 Share Posted November 27 On 11/27/2024 at 8:51 AM, Haywarduck said: The kickoff has to be unreturnable, never out of bounds! If it is out of bounds, it is just like a penalty to start a drive, unacceptable. Thanks for bringing this up. Sappington at 86% is very comforting, and if for some reason a +50 yarder is the play, Boyle is ready. But hopefully OBD will be a lot of kickoff's in the coming games and keeping them inbounds can't be overstated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
candyduck Author No. 7 Share Posted November 27 On 11/27/2024 at 10:04 AM, 30Duck said: Thanks for bringing this up. Sappington at 86% is very comforting, and if for some reason a +50 yarder is the play, Boyle is ready. But hopefully OBD will be a lot of kickoff's in the coming games and keeping them inbounds can't be overstated. Yes I failed to mention this as well. I think Boyle kicked it out of bounds immediately after making the long field goal! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Fischer Administrator No. 8 Share Posted November 27 Good topic, because at the beginning of the year--Sappington had a case of the "yips" as I think he might have been a touch intimidated by being in a bigger-stage with his kicks making a larger impact. But he settled down and has been almost money since, and I'm glad for him and us. Bottom line is that I am OK with him kicking the game winner, as he has done versus Boise State, Ohio State and Wisconsin. The punter? He has been a bit more inconsistent this year, and I hope he gets it worked out soon. That is seven out of ten for me... 1 Mr. FishDuck Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...