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Is Ohio State football’s kicker confident if needed vs. Oregon in the Rose Bowl?
LOS ANGELES — A ball split the uprights, clearing the crossbar with ease, and crashed into the netting well beyond the target.
In most football settings, that’s not weird to see. Kickers make field goals all the time.
But this successful kick came Monday at Dignity Health Sports Park – the site of Ohio State’s pre-Rose Bowl practice. It came off the foot of Jayden Fielding, who unleashed the kick from 57 yards away.
The Buckeyes’ kicker is clearly capable of being a weapon. That was also evident on Oct. 12 when he connected on a 40-yard kick in a 32-31 loss against Oregon.
However, heading into Wednesday’s rematch with the Ducks, his ability has become a question.
Fielding has missed his last three attempts, including a pair in Ohio State’s three-point loss against Michigan last month.
His confidence hasn’t wavered, though.
“Playing at Ohio State, playing on the biggest stage every game, there’s always going to be backlash,” Fielding told cleveland.com on Monday. “There’s always going to be people saying what they want to say. You just have to deal with it. It’s part of the job.”
Ohio State coach Ryan Day was asked directly about his trust in Fielding after an Oct. 26 win against Nebraska. It proved inconsequential, but Fielding poorly missed a 42-yard attempt.
Day reaffirmed his trust in the kicker.
A similar question was raised after the Michigan loss. The College Football Playoff was on the horizon, giving reason to wonder if the Buckeyes would turn to backup Austin Snyder.
Day again reaffirmed his trust, saying Ohio State wouldn’t have had Fielding attempting kicks vs. Michigan if the staff didn’t have confidence he could make them.
“It means a lot,” Fielding said. “It’s definitely helped me trying to bounce back from that. They’ve really helped instill a good amount of confidence back into me. Hearing that from the head man really helps.”
Fielding’s only attempt vs. Tennessee in the first round of the CFP was a lofty one. In cold conditions, he was asked to make a 56-yard try at the end of the first half.
He missed poorly.
The Rose Bowl, barring any surprising wind gusts, provides an environment fit for a kicker. There will be few excuses for Fielding – that is if Ohio State gives him an opportunity.
“I feel like I’ve had a really good month of game prep,” Fielding said. “I feel like before Tennessee week it was really good for me. I feel like this week it’s once again really good for me. It really just helps having all the guys back you up, too.”
With the highly anticipated Rose Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Oregon just around the corner, one question looms large for Buckeyes fans: is Ohio State football’s kicker confident if needed in a crucial moment?
Throughout the season, Ohio State’s kicking game has been solid but not without its struggles. Junior kicker Noah Ruggles has been reliable for the most part, making 13 out of 17 field goal attempts and 59 out of 61 extra points. However, there have been a few key misses in critical moments that have left some fans questioning Ruggles’ confidence under pressure.
With a game as important as the Rose Bowl on the line, it will be crucial for Ohio State’s kicking game to be on point. If the Buckeyes find themselves in a tight spot and need a field goal to secure a win, will Ruggles be able to step up and deliver?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Ohio State fans will be holding their breath every time Ruggles steps onto the field in Pasadena. Let’s hope he’s been putting in the work and is ready to come through in the clutch when his team needs him most.
Tags:
Ohio State football, kicker confidence, Rose Bowl, Oregon, college football, special teams, field goal kicking, Buckeyes, Ducks, playoff game, national championship, Big Ten, Pac-12
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