One of the biggest fears for Ohio State football fans has been bad special teams. That might be a thing of the past heading into the Cotton Bowl.
The Ohio State football team has had some special teams concerns over the last few weeks. Mainly, those concerns have been tethered to field goal kicking. Jayden Fielding missed two critical field goals against Michigan, and fans have been terrified of kicking field goals ever since.
Those two games weren’t the only reason why the kicking game was a concern. Fielding had three straight kickoffs out of bounds against Marshall earlier this year. Despite those issues, Fielding was able to make two field goals, including one from 46 yards, against Oregon.
Those two field goals may have calmed fans who are concerned about the Cotton Bowl potentially coming down to a game-winning kick. After those two kicks, the Ohio State Buckeyes no longer should be afraid of a kick from Fielding. They may not be excited about a potential kick, but it should no longer make fans afraid.
Fielding on the season has made only 73% of his field goals. That’s not great, but it’s not too bad. Three of those misses came in the games against TTUN and Tennessee. As long as they don’t attempt a field goal over 46 yards, things should be fine.
Ryan Day knows what his kicker is capable of in a big moment. He will likely go for it on fourth down if he has any questions about Fielding making a clutch kick. Fielding will know that, too. He knows what his own range is. Day won’t put him in a position to do something he can’t do.
Ohio State is still the best team in the country. They have a chance to prove it by beating Texas on Friday night. If they play their best again, it will be a blowout. That means fans won’t even have to worry about Fielding in a clutch situation.
