How about the kicking game?

[akgopher]

What is wrong with Hawthorne? I thought I heard that he looked great during the summer. He could have been the difference against USC. On Saturday if he makes his earlier field goal and maybe we aren't handing the ball back on the goal line after 4 downs late in the game, and are in the position to win the game on the last play with a kick.

Is it fair to suggest that with an effective kicker we are 2-0?

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

What is wrong with Hawthorne? I thought I heard that he looked great during the summer. He could have been the difference against USC. On Saturday if he makes his earlier field goal and maybe we aren't handing the ball back on the goal line after 4 downs late in the game, and are in the position to win the game on the last play with a kick.

Is it fair to suggest that with an effective kicker we are 2-0?

I'll admit that I was one who said they would be watching Hawthorne closely and I'm not that disappointed with this effort. Yes, he missed an important kick but he missed it left and only slightly. Generally, a miss left from a right-footed kicker indicates a strong pass at the ball and good solid contact. When he starts missing to the right, I'll be more concerned.

Yes, he's missed a few that have cost us big-time but I guess there's one way to look at it. With him being a sophomore and being relatively new to the kicking game, maybe this season we'll be taking some lumps with Hawthorne, growing pains, as he gains confidence and experience with the rest of the team.

 

[Goofers71]

What about the opening kickoff on Saturday? It looked like he almost missed the ball. It gave NMSU good field position.

 

[Buck_Buchanan]

What is wrong with Hawthorne? I thought I heard that he looked great during the summer. He could have been the difference against USC. On Saturday if he makes his earlier field goal and maybe we aren't handing the ball back on the goal line after 4 downs late in the game, and are in the position to win the game on the last play with a kick.

Is it fair to suggest that with an effective kicker we are 2-0?

NMSU missed one as well so I see that as a wash in terms of game outcome. I think he needs to have at least 10 attempts in before I pass any judgement. He'll be a work in progress and Coach Kill has typically had good kickers / kicking game.