What's up with the new punting style I saw over the weekend? UCF's punter used it on every punt, and East Carolina's punter used it once that I saw.

Instead of catching the ball and taking one or two steps forward (into the rush), he catches the ball and runs off to one side and kicks the ball on the run, like in Aussie Rules Football or Rugby. (UCF's Coach Mike Kruczek calls it the "rugby punt".)

Granted it gave UCF's average punter the 2nd and 5th longest punts in school history (71, 67) , and a record for average punt distance for a game (55.7 - breaking the old record by 6 yards!) but do you think it is a trend that will catch on?

Jim

[ September 03, 2003, 11:49 PM: Message edited by: BikeJocks ]

The West Virginia punter used a similar maneuver against Wisconsin -- ran a few steps off to the right and aimed for corner. The punts weren't very long but it was effective in keeping the ball away from UW's main punt returner.

Wasn't that punt play interesting? That tactic certainly neutralized one of Va. Tech's strengths, special teams, especially punt returns and blocks. I think it may catch on for a while due to the surprise factor but then the offense will neutralize it by having rushers coming from the sides instead of the middle. The reason the old style developed is that it is easiest to block any rushers when the punter stands in the middle of the field. If he runs over to the side he is much more vulnerable to rushers from that side. My guess is that the ploy will work as a surprise tactic until a coach wises up, sends his fastest rushers from each side, and blocks about 3 kicks in a row. Given VT's emphesis in the kicking game, my guess is that Coach Beamer will have a similar strategy lined up for the next game.

Yes, UCF definitely had VaTech's punt returner in mind. Of six UCF punts, only two were returnable, and then VT only got 2 yards combined on both of those.

UCF says they "...talked a lot about the rugby punt and how to block it." I'm guessing they decided you have to know that to know best how to defend the rush.

Jim

I thought UCF played a great game, steady, didn't panic after being down so much in the first half. VT was just too much for them at the end, but at 28-21 I was damn worried. I was impressed, UCF should do pretty well this year.

I'm guessing you're a Hokie fan. Thanks for the support. When it got to 28-21 I thought "We might actually have a chance here!" That interception killed us (and it wasn't a bad pass!).

Jim

Bring back the drop kick!