Kicking is an issue.

[Rekdiver]

I am being serious and not snarky. What does "at this level" mean in the kicking game. Are the goal posts a different height or width? The kicker is not physically involved in other words size and speed are not involved. He is kicking at the same target he has been kicking at for as long as he has been kicking is he not?

Uh.....college level? Entirely a mental change and challenge....just like it took Matics 4 years to be a good kicker WHO COULD have missed his 3rd kick against OHIO. We got bigger issues than the kicking game. You don't see kickers leaving college early for the pros because there is still a strength and mental element and Reps to kicking just like golfers with a swing. So I'm not being snarky whenI say At This Level and on this stage is a big challenge for kickers coming out of high school.

I don't know what bigger issues we have. We won our bowl game on a kick and lost at Tennessee on a kick. I really don't think waiting four years is a viable answer.

We wouldn't have needed that kick to win a bowl game if Matics has not missed the two previous. And we waited 4 years for him to be a competent kicker. I'd say our passing game and no pressure from the D line are bigger issues....and play calling.....

[Goapps15]

I am being serious and not snarky. What does "at this level" mean in the kicking game. Are the goal posts a different height or width? The kicker is not physically involved in other words size and speed are not involved. He is kicking at the same target he has been kicking at for as long as he has been kicking is he not?

Uh.....college level? Entirely a mental change and challenge....just like it took Matics 4 years to be a good kicker WHO COULD have missed his 3rd kick against OHIO. We got bigger issues than the kicking game. You don't see kickers leaving college early for the pros because there is still a strength and mental element and Reps to kicking just like golfers with a swing. So I'm not being snarky whenI say At This Level and on this stage is a big challenge for kickers coming out of high school.

I don't know what bigger issues we have. We won our bowl game on a kick and lost at Tennessee on a kick. I really don't think waiting four years is a viable answer.

We wouldn't have needed that kick to win a bowl game if Matics has not missed the two previous. And we waited 4 years for him to be a competent kicker. I'd say our passing game and no pressure from the D line are bigger issues....and play calling.....

Rekdiver,

While I agree with most of your points, play calling is affected inside the 20 by your faith or lack thereof in the kicking game. Granted I trust the coaches. We will be fine. We just don't have the superstar DL who blew plays up.

[bcoach]

I am being serious and not snarky. What does "at this level" mean in the kicking game. Are the goal posts a different height or width? The kicker is not physically involved in other words size and speed are not involved. He is kicking at the same target he has been kicking at for as long as he has been kicking is he not?

Uh.....college level? Entirely a mental change and challenge....just like it took Matics 4 years to be a good kicker WHO COULD have missed his 3rd kick against OHIO. We got bigger issues than the kicking game. You don't see kickers leaving college early for the pros because there is still a strength and mental element and Reps to kicking just like golfers with a swing. So I'm not being snarky whenI say At This Level and on this stage is a big challenge for kickers coming out of high school.

I don't know what bigger issues we have. We won our bowl game on a kick and lost at Tennessee on a kick. I really don't think waiting four years is a viable answer.

We wouldn't have needed that kick to win a bowl game if Matics has not missed the two previous. And we waited 4 years for him to be a competent kicker. I'd say our passing game and no pressure from the D line are bigger issues....and play calling.....

Rekdiver,

While I agree with most of your points, play calling is affected inside the 20 by your faith or lack thereof in the kicking game. Granted I trust the coaches. We will be fine. We just don't have the superstar DL who blew plays up.

Well I guess what you say makes kicking an even bigger issue but I think we have worn this subject out. I hope he gets better.

[WVAppsfan]

Is kicking the issue? Or is it... he started off bad? Last time I read posts about our kicking game Matics went on a tear.

[Goapps15]

I think the reality is most teams don't have good kickers. Look around, many big name schools have lost games early this year because of the kicking game.

It is mainly mental for these kids as well. Anyone who watches can see Rubino has potential and ability.

[AppState89]

After reading my post again, I didn't realize it did look a little bad. Didn't mean that (SORRY), just meant we will be fine and his kicking will get better with age, for him I think it's a MENTAL thing.

[TheMackAttack]

Just for reference, neither Zach Matics nor Julian Rauch made more than 70% of their field goals attempted at App State. Rauch also never made a kick at 50+ (something Rubino will do while at App, guaranteed), made less than 50% of his kicks from 40-49, and missed nine extra points over the course of his career.


Rauch's 2007 and Matics's 2015 were anomalies. We need to recognize them as such and be thrilled when Rubino's 2018 and 2019 seasons are of that caliber.

[appbio91]

You are assuming past performance predicts future success. Hopefully you are right.

[bigdaddyg]

Just for reference, neither Zach Matics nor Julian Rauch made more than 70% of their field goals attempted at App State. Rauch also never made a kick at 50+ (something Rubino will do while at App, guaranteed), made less than 50% of his kicks from 40-49, and missed nine extra points over the course of his career.


Rauch's 2007 and Matics's 2015 were anomalies. We need to recognize them as such and be thrilled when Rubino's 2018 and 2019 seasons are of that caliber.

I tried to point out national statistics which show that less than half of the BCS level kickers are at or above .500 right now. How many kickers turn over in the NFL at the beginning of the season? Not a whole lot. There just aren't that many consistent kickers. He will be ok

[WVAPPeer]

You guys remember the season - I believe it was 1999 - that the kickers were having so much trouble that Coach Moore held Open Try-outs in the middle of the season? ---

[NewApp]

After reading my post again, I didn't realize it did look a little bad. Didn't mean that (SORRY), just meant we will be fine and his kicking will get better with age, for him I think it's a MENTAL thing.

Lack of experience is also a factor which can't be over emphasized. Rubino hasn't even completed half a season in FBS ball.

[AppState89]

After reading my post again, I didn't realize it did look a little bad. Didn't mean that (SORRY), just meant we will be fine and his kicking will get better with age, for him I think it's a MENTAL thing.

Lack of experience is also a factor which can't be over emphasized. Rubino hasn't even completed half a season in FBS ball.

That's why I'm not to worried. Wasn't even upset about the Tenn game. First kicks as a freshman in front of 100,000. That was the loudest stadium I have ever been to. Pretty damn awesome experience.

[DaphneUrquhart]

Perhaps our coaches should consider using a backup quarterback or good hands receiver as the holder rather than Critcher. It might help Rubino feel like he is in charge when he takes the field to PK. Would also give us more options if we want to try a fake field goal.

You're forgetting that Bentlee also played QB in high school. I can't think of a better holder than someone who knows the kicking game and knows how to run a play as well (see last year's pitch to Matics on the fake).

[TheMackAttack]

You guys remember when this was a thing?

[AppAttack]

Who is the backup holder if Critcher kicks FG's? Rubino will be fine. 3/3 fg's and 4/4 pat's today.

[AppDawg]

Who is the backup holder if Critcher kicks FG's? Rubino will be fine. 3/3 fg's and 4/4 pat's today.

#LeftHash

[ukappfan]

He just needed time to settle in and build confidence. With his strong leg and games under his belt, he will get better and better.

[CVAPP]

You guys remember when this was a thing?

Yes, against So Miss wasn't it? Maybe Liberty?

[AppinVA]

Who is the backup holder if Critcher kicks FG's? Rubino will be fine. 3/3 fg's and 4/4 pat's today.

#LeftHash

Yep all three attempts were from the left hash.

[EastHallApp]

Probably didn't hurt that all three were <30 yards either.