[Husker] Kickoffs after scoring (fwd)

[Mike Nolan]

>    I believe that the huskers were willing to give up 15 yards and keep the 
> ball out of the hands of there turn guy.

While sometimes I think it's a poor excuse for good kick coverage, Northwestern
has gone to using the pooch kick on kickoffs, usually resulting in a fair
catch somewhere around the 30 or 35 yard line, and about twice a year resulting
in a turnover.  

They did that consistently during the 1st half against Purdue.  Then they 
kicked off deep (into a stiff wind) to start the second half.  The result 
was a 95 yard kickoff return that affected the momentum of the entire 
second half, turning what looked like a game the Cats could have put 
away in the 3rd quarter into another nailbiter that wasn't over until 
the defense intercepted a Boiler pass with just seconds on the clock.  
(Northwestern is only 1 play away from being 5-1 and alone atop the Big 
10, but also only a few plays away from being 1-5.)

So, maybe the Husker special teams coach knows what he's doing kicking the 
ball to one side, even if half the time it goes out of bounds.  I'd rather 
they have it on their 35 than on our 40 or in our end zone.  
--
Mike Nolan