Lashlee: kickers will compete to play

[PonyPride]

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said kickers Collin Rogers and Sam Keltner competed in practice Tuesday and will do the same Wednesday "to see who starts on Saturday." Lashlee said "it has nothing to do with just the last game — I mean, look, a 57-yard field goal is hard. He's capable, but the other 51-yarder and the (missed field goal in) overtime ... you just look at the history of the last couple years: a lot of good, but a lot of inconsistency.

"You go to fall camp ... it was a battle, and so we decided to go with Collin to start the season, just because of the experience. We're going to be true to what we do. We love both guys — we love everybody in this program — but competition is what we do. You know, any of us are replaceable ... including me. So they kicked today, they'll kick tomorrow, and we'll make a decision Thursday on how we'll handle this Saturday. It may be week to week going forward. We've got a lot of confidence in Sam, and obviously we've shown for the last three years we've got a lot of confidence in Collin. Whoever is most consistent and kicking with the most confidence is who will kick."

[highlander]

This seems like a HUGE development. I am guessing Rogers hasn’t looked very good in practice either.

[Charleston Pony]

This seems like a HUGE development. I am guessing Rogers hasn’t looked very good in practice either.

It could just be that Sam has looked really good (better?) in practice but coach has been reluctant to go against Rogers who was almost automatic last year and has been a record setting kicker for us

[highlander]

This seems like a HUGE development. I am guessing Rogers hasn’t looked very good in practice either.

It could just be that Sam has looked really good (better?) in practice but coach has been reluctant to go against Rogers who was almost automatic last year and has been a record setting kicker for us

I hope you're right. Also, this game better NOT come down to a kick.

[Ikus]

I assume that deep down, Lashlee still feels Rogers is the guy, and I have no reason to dispute that.

But if you want to get a few reps for the presumed heir apparent, this could be a great time to do it: small stadium, opposing crowd that has no reason to hate SMU or him, a game we should win somewhat comfortably.

It's a move that is not without risk, since kickers are, as a rule, wired a little differently than the rest of the world, and who knows how Rogers reacts ... IF it happens. But if you're looking to light a fire under Rogers and wanting to get an in-game look at Keltner, this seems like the time to do it.

[Nedward]

Its not just the missed kicks. Its also the [deleted] poor kick-offs.