In 2009-11, the University of Tulsa had very little drama on placement kicks. Kevin Fitzpatrick’s three-season success rate was 44-of-56 on field goals. He connected on 97 percent of his extra-point attempts.
With 299 points, Fitzpatrick completed his Golden Hurricane career as the most prolific scorer in program history.
In 15 games since Fitzpatrick’s departure, Tulsa has struggled on scoring kicks. Last season, then-freshman Daniel Schwarz was 12-of-18 on field goals. Five of his six misses were launched from 36 yards or less. Against Tulane, there was a 21-yard miss. Against Central Florida, a 29-yard miss. In one season, Schwarz had more extra-point misfires (seven) than Fitzpatrick had in three seasons (five).
In perfect conditions at Arkansas, Schwarz failed to convert on a 42-yard field goal. One point-after kick was blocked. Another was wide. Those five points were hugely pivotal in a four-point Hurricane defeat (19-15).
A few days before last week’s season-opening contest at Bowling Green, TU coach Bill Blankenship expressed confidence that new walk-on kicker Carl Salazar would effectively cope with game stress. “From what I’ve seen,” Blankenship said, “he’s been unflappable.”
Salazar’s debut was difficult. In a 34-7 loss, six points don’t seem all that important, but Salazar’s two missed field goals – from 37 yards in the first period and from 34 in the second – were big momentum plays. Against a quality opponent on the road, empty possessions can deflate a team.
Late in the first half, the combination of a stop by the Tulsa defense and a 14-yard punt return by Trey Watts gave the Hurricane great field position at the Falcons’ 33-yard line. With TU trailing only 3-0, Salazar failed to convert on the 34-yard attempt. Bowling Green answered with a 70-yard, hurry-up drive that led to Tyler Tate’s 28-yard field with two seconds left in the half.
Salazar may get more opportunities on Saturday, when TU hosts Colorado State for a 6 p.m. contest at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Punter Cole Way has a capable left leg on placement kicks, but Blankenship indicates that Salazar remains the man on field goals.
“Those were things that we should have been able to overcome,” Blankenship says of Salazar’s 0-for-2 opener. “Now, would we like to have had those six (points)? Absolutely. But for a guy kicking in his very first-ever game? Come on. It just is what it is. He’s got the job. He just needs to step up and I’m sure he will.”
-- Bill Haisten
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