Morstead not Ray Guy semifinalist

[stangs07]

2008 Ray Guy Award Semifinalists
Bryan Anger................ California........................ Freshman
Derek Epperson......... Baylor.............................Sophomore
Ryan Donahue........... Iowa...............................Sophomore
Matt Fodge.................. Oklahoma State.............. Senior
Chas Henry................. Florida............................Sophomore
Kevin Huber................ Cincinnati....................... Senior
Pat McAfee.................. West Virginia.................. Senior
Zoltan Mesko.............. Michigan......................... Junior
Louie Sakoda.............. Utah................................Senior
A.J. Trapasso............. Ohio State....................... Senior

[Pony Soup]

yaawn

[stangs07]

Morstead hurt or lose his goodluck charm? His stats have dropped every week for the last several weeks now. Even before the weather against Navy he was making his way down the teens. Net punting is not any better. Now he's 28!

I sure wanted a fellow SMU player to make the draft this year. We need the publicity. 5th in the conference doesn't help his chances. He definately has talent so I hope he uses this weekend to get his mojo back. Same with the rest of the team. Ponies need a win!

[PoconoPony]

I certainly do not know the full criteria for the nominees; however, the Navy game destroyed any chance he had for a high season per game average. At Navy his first 3 punt attempts were tactical mistakes as he tried to launch high long spirals into the wind. The wind merely caught the spiral before it could nose out, pushed the ball further up into the air allowing the wind to catch it broad side then blow it right back toward the line of scrimage. Subsequent punts into the wind were low trajectory spirals that pierced the wind then successfully bounced for a roll. Bottom line is that he should have figured out what he could or could not due in the pregame warm up and then choose his kick style/strategy accordingly. Unfortunately, he did not and those first 3 punts contributed substantially to the terrible start.

[Stallion]

I wouldn't trade him for any punter in the Country. Height, distance and he kicks more balls inside the 20 than any punter I have ever seen. Punting statistics are stupid.

[stangs07]

Wouldn't trade him either. Height is superior. He is getting beat I-20 and distance from many including Turner from Houston (even disregarding the Navy game). Just wondered if an injury or something was holding him back at all.

[ThadFilms]

Let me speak to your voters!
This is BULLROAR!!!!!!

[Alaric]

He also would have gotten a few punts blocked last year but he's avoided some serious rushes a few times with he rugby move...unfortunately the kicks were short but I'd rather throw those short kicks into the mix and have them bring down his average than have them blocked. Hang time, accuracy, etc is great...2-3 td savings tackles to boot

[stangs07]

What I could find on criteria:

"The nominees were evaluated on their overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis was placed on the following categories: net average, percentage of total punts inside the 20-yard line, average return yardage, and percentage not returned."

Morstead caused a few fumbled punt returns with the height he gets on those balls. Wish that was a statistic.

[Stallion]

Good point about the fumbles-without question he's caused two fumbles because of height in both the Tulsa and UH games which almost were game-winners.

[stangs07]

If they were game winners...he might be on the short list.

Looked at a few of their I-20 %. Fodge is 67% and Mcafee is 62%. wow!

[White Helmet]

Of course Morstead spent most of the year punting from inside his own 20 after a 2 and out hard to kick it 60 yards everytime.