Remember a couple weeks ago when Brandon Walker’s name was thrown around blogs and message boards left and right without much positivity? Of course you do. After missing two field goal attempts in a 28-21 win over Stanford, Walker had a season mark of 1 for 7. Well, since that game, Brandon Walker has connected on 9 of his last 10 field goal attempts including a mark of 3 for 3 on attempts longer than 40 yards.
Walker has completley turned his season around and now has a mark of 10 for 17 this year with just one miss from less than 40 yards. Unfortunately that one miss from under 40 yards game in the fourth overtime of the Pitt game, but it is still great to see Walker work through his funk and start nailing down kicks on a regular basis. He always had the leg, but his accuracy was all over the place in the beginning of the season. These last five games, however, he’s been pretty accurate and might turn out to be the place kicker Irish fans have been looking for.
These players get discussed ad nauseum when they are struggling, but often times get overlooked when they are playing well because people expect them to. Walker’s early season struggles and his fight through them though definitely warrant some mention.
Frankie, I would have to give you credit on this one. I remember you said his mechanics were good and he was winning dead on in practice. Walker just needed to gain confidence, you were right!
I hadn’t heard much directed at Walker himself for his struggles. I saw the stats from highschool and knew he’d be good. I did wonder how the coaching staff hadn’t prepared him better. Soemthing wroked and it’s just a credit to the kid for working through it. I like that Weis stayed with him. I only hope they try field goals more often from medium range. I hate that go for it on 4th down stuff. It usually indicates a deficiency in your team.