Great punting this game. Really neutered Michigans return game.
Lost in all this was punting
- Thread starter UNIowaHawk
- Start date
That punt that bounced sideways landing on the 1.5 yard line that led to the safety was a punt of beauty.
This was why Michigan was going after him early. You don't rough the punter twice in a row unless you are trying to knock him out of the game.
And if he would have kept on his feet that scramble, instead that tumble and roll, we may have had a first down...
You gotta admit that his finish on that play was a thing of beauty.
That, and Coluzzi's excellent work on KOs. Coaches White and Wallace came up with a great game plan to keep the Michigan return game in check. Coluzzi changed up his KO approach all game, making it look as if he was gonna an onside kick, forcing the opponent to change their alignment in response to the implied threat. From that stance, Coluzzi kicked a couple mortar balls and an outstanding touchback (just when MI returners crept up expecting another mortar). One of his KOs resulted in a fumbled return, from a player whom I'm certain hasn't had to field too many balls this season.
Special teams were absolutely critical to the success of the team last night, which has often been the case for Iowa teams through the years.
