In the days leading up to the 2015 Rose Bowl, the Emerald will take a unit-by-unit look at Oregon and Florida State, determining which team has the edge going into the showdown on Jan. 1 in Pasadena. Today, we’ll look at each team’s special team’s units.
Oregon
In recent history, the kicker position at Oregon has been the subject of uncertainty. This year has been no different. Sophomore Matt Wogan and freshman Aidan Schneider have split time this year place kicking. However, the tandem has been relatively consistent, going a combined 15-for-18 in field goal attempts. Neither of the two have made a field goal from longer than 42 yards.
In his first year handling punting duties, Ian Wheeler has done well. Wheeler has placed nine of his 39 punts inside the 20-yard line and he’s recorded a punt over 50 yards three times on the year.
In the return game, freshman Charles Nelson has been a playmaker. Of his 11 punt returns, Nelson has taken two to the end zone for touchdowns. Nelson also leads the team in kickoff returns, averaging 20.3 yards per return.
Freshman Tanner Carew is the long snapper for the Ducks.
Florida State
Unlike Oregon, the Seminoles have a premier kicker who has been the epitome of consistency over the last two season. Roberto Aquayo, last year’s Lou Groza award winner for the best kicker in college football, is 25-of-27 this season including 3-of-3 on attempts over 50 yards.
Cason Beatty is averaging 41.6 yards per punt attempt for the Seminoles including a long of 67 yards. Of his 44 attempts, he’s dropped 14 inside the opponent’s 20 yard line.
Wide receiver Rashad Greene handles the majority of punt returns for Florida State. He’s averaging 10.7 yards per return. Kermit Whitfield is averaging 20.5 yards per kick return.
Freshman Stephen Gabbard is the long snapper for the Seminoles.
Advantage – Florida State
Aguayo is a weapon for Florida State. A game-changer form the place kicking position, Aguayo nearly never misses. His reliability as a kicker is pivotal for a team that hasn’t lost in over two years. Beatty has also shown the ability to boom a punt and strategically place a kick inside the opponents 20 yard line.
Oregon returner Charles Nelson, however, is a threat to score on every return attempt.
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Countdown to the Rose Bowl: How Oregon and Florida State’s special teams stack up
Joseph Hoyt
December 30, 2014
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