2015-16 Special Teams Discussion

[buckeyesin07]

I didn't see a thread on this, as we have for the offense and defense.

Not to get things started on a negative note, but with Willoughby missing another field goal again this week, at what point does Urban give Nuernberger a shot at field goals? I'm assuming Willoughby would retain the kickoff job, as he seems to be rather effective, despite the occasional kickoff out of bounds (he had one today).

 

[buckeyebri]

I would love to see Nuernberger get a shot to see what he can do this season. I think part of last seasons struggle may have been just getting acclimated to playing under the big lights. IIRC he came from a very small high school. Right now I have zero confidence in Willoughby if it comes down to a game winning FG.

 

[buckeyesin07]

Columbus' own Craig Fada named special teams player of the week for the Maryland game.

 

[buckeyesin07]

Another tough miss by Willoughby last night, this one only a 35-yarder, and lined up in the center of the field. A bit concerned down the stretch if the Bucks need a field goal at the end of the game.

 

[bukIpower]

If it comes down to Willoughby nailing a field goal to win us/send us to over time in the final moments I don't see it happening.... We should be approaching every red zone trip as 4 down territory. Feel bad for him as this is a big stage for him and I can't imagine the pressure he has to be under as each field goal sails right/left.

 

[buckeyesin07]

• Meyer said Ohio State is considering a change at field goal kicker from Jack Willoughby to Sean Nuernberger. "We need to do better," he said.

http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...turdays-game-at-illinois-barring-any-setbacks

 

[mattynokes]

It would suck if we had to change kickers this late in the season. It seemed to me part of the equation for Willoughby being the guy was redshirting Nuernberger as it was probably splitting hairs as to who was the better kicker in camp.

 

[OHSportsFan]

One last push to get Willoughby going. Psychology.

Don't think Nuerenberger plays a down this year.

 

[ScriptOhio]

URBAN MEYER SAID OHIO STATE COULD HAVE A CHANGE AT FIELD GOAL KICKER SATURDAY AGAINST ILLINOIS; 'THAT'S A CONCERN'

For as much success as Urban Meyer's experienced at Ohio State, there's one area of his program that's currently encountering some issues: Placekicking.

The kicking game — and special teams overall — is a passion of the Buckeye football coach, but the product at placekicking in recent years has left something to be desired.

In the 2014 national championship season, then-freshman Sean Nuernberger connected on just 13-of-20 of his attempts. This year, graduate senior and Duke transfer Jack Willoughby's only hit 7-of-11 tries.

Nuernberger nailed two short field goals against Alabama.

Specifically, Nuernberger missed 5-of-10 attempts from 40-49 yards out in 2014 and Willoughby's 0-for-3 in the same category this year. Willoughby's longest made field goal this season is from 39 yards out against Penn State.

"Very concerned," Meyer said Tuesday on the Big Ten teleconference of the situation.

With Nuernberger in his back pocket, Meyer said he's exploring the possibility of making a switch at the position, even though Willoughby's been the guy all season long and just three regular season games remain.

"We're potentially going to make a change at field goal," Meyer said. "Sean Nuernberger might take over, we're going to let it go one more day on Wednesday and make that decision."

Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...-change-at-field-goal-kicker-saturday-against

 

[ScriptOhio]

Two-Minute Drill: Urban Meyer Post-Practice Updates November 11

+ Sean Nuernberger is the No. 1 kicker now and will play. Jack Willoughby is still the kickoff guy.

+ They evaluated the kicking game a great deal this week and due to Jack Willoughby's struggles, they had a "tryout" for the starting job and Sean Nuernberger won the job this week after tryouts on Sunday and Wednesday.

Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...Urban-Meyer-Post-Practice-Updates-November-11

 

[OHSportsFan]

One last push to get Willoughby going. Psychology.

Don't think Nuerenberger plays a down this year.

Two-Minute Drill: Urban Meyer Post-Practice Updates November 11

+ Sean Nuernberger is the No. 1 kicker now and will play. Jack Willoughby is still the kickoff guy.

+ They evaluated the kicking game a great deal this week and due to Jack Willoughby's struggles, they had a "tryout" for the starting job and Sean Nuernberger won the job this week after tryouts on Sunday and Wednesday.

Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...Urban-Meyer-Post-Practice-Updates-November-11

Well then.

Whatever gets the kicking game stable.

 

[buckeyesin07]

• On Kickergeddon: The decision was to go with Willoughby initially but he's struggled. They had a tryout Sunday and Wednesday and Nuernberger's been better: "It's about numbers and just making the kicks. The No. 1 thing is to get it through the uprights."
• Meyer's pleased with how Nuernberger's remained engaged this season even though he hasn't been playing.

http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...ates-on-ohio-states-preparations-for-illinois

 

[mattynokes]

I wonder if Willoughby will still kick PATs and Neurnberger will be saved only if needed for an actual FG.

 

[LitlBuck]

I wonder if Willoughby will still kick PATs and Neurnberger will be saved only if needed for an actual FG.

That Is a good question.. I would think Neurnberger would kick PAT's because there are 3 guys involved in that but I do not think that Willoughby has missed one all season, maybe one, so I really have no idea.. The thing about it is that there might be a whole lot of PAT's being kicked against Illinois