Flipping the field

One of the most overlooked positions on the field, yet arguably one of the most important, is that of the punter. In the Longhorns’ heart-breaking loss to the UCLA Bruins on Saturday night in Arlington, Texas punter Will Russ had one heck of a game. While the punter isn’t the guy who fans hope receives the game ball, it’s easy to notice when they’ve done poorly but often overlooked when they’ve done well.

For the second week in a row, Russ put in a very solid performance. With an offense that’s improving, yet still a massive work in progress, fans cannot undervalue the importance of solid punting. Saturday night, Russ was no doubt the Horns’ unsung hero.

Russ punted six times, averaging an impressive 50.5 yards per kick with a long of 62 yards. For much of the night, UCLA was playing with a long field, and that was in large part due to the leg of the junior punter from Louisiana.

Saturday’s performance, however, was not Russ’s only impressive outing of the season.

Against the BYU Cougars, in a game when the offense barely managed to move the ball, Russ punted eight times, averaging 43 yards per kick with a long of 52 yards.

Again, while fans hope that punters rarely see any game-time action, their effect on the game cannot be denied. With an inexperienced quarterback under center, a piecemeal offensive line, inconsistent running and passing games, as well as a defense that is incredibly streaky, it’s imperative that the Longhorns consistently are able to dictate field position.

So far, especially against the Bruins, Will Russ has done his part to make sure that opposing offenses are forced to work for extra yards. That is something that cannot and should not be overlooked.