Although the NCAA's new kickoff rule didn't drastically impact Ohio in its season opener, Frank Solich is acutely aware of the implications associated with the decision to push the tee back five yards, from the 35 to the 30, for the 2007 season.
It's going to still play out to really mean a great deal of difference in field position
Solich said.
Across the country, coaches' opinions range from excitement to hatred of the decision that puts college kicks at the same spot as those in the NFL. Without many college kickers who can boot the ball out of the end zone for a touchback, a majority of kicks will be returned, resulting in better starting field position and more offense. And it will allow defenders to gain more momentum in pursuit of returners, making football's most violent play that much nastier.
But the key that Solich and his players point to when discussing the changes in kickoffs, whether defending them or returning them, is speed, something the Bobcats' special teams units know something about.
Sophomore wide receiver Chris Garrett, who showed off his big-return capabilities primarily as a punt returner last season, is on top of the depth chart at kickoff returner this year as well and doesn't hide that he's a fan of the new rule.
It's a great thing because it gives the returner more opportunities to field every ball said Garrett, who opposing kickers would often try to avoid kicking to in 2006.
I think this gives Chris a chance to show his explosiveness on kickoff returns as well as punt returns Solich said. He's going to get his fair share of yards and fair share of big plays if he gets the ball.
Solich explained that the Bobcats have options in addition to Garrett when they run the ball back, including Taylor Price, Josh Abrams and true freshman Matt Donahue.
We're going to give ourselves more opportunities for big plays
Solich said. We've got a few guys to choose from
and as you go through the course of a game
that may mean something.
Kicker Michael Braunstein quickly admits that the additional five yards will lower his touchback total, but Solich prefers to focus on Braunstein's ability to place the ball just about anywhere he wants on the field.
Braunstein consistently averaged about 60 yards per kick and believes his accuracy combined with Ohio's kickoff-return defense, which finished third in the country in 2006 allowing an average of 14.85 yards per return, can control returners.
I had 15 touchbacks last year
Braunstein said. Unless I've got a pretty good breeze behind me
my touchbacks are only going to be 2-3 yards deep in the end zone and they'll run it out G? but it's an advantage that they aren't going to take a touchback because they'll try to return it and our kickoff team's so fast. I think it really helps us.
17
Archives
