Tulsa World: Fodge waits for moment

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Fodge waits for moment
The OSU punter has only punted eight times so far.

OSU punter Matt Fodge (left, against OU last season), averages 43.6 yards per punt this season. Tulsa World file

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
Published: 9/25/2008 2:11 AM
Last Modified: 9/25/2008 2:56 AM

The OSU punter has only punted eight times so far.

STILLWATER — It would be easy to understand if Matt Fodge's right leg needed some rust remover.

The Oklahoma State senior punter hasn't needed to put that kicking leg to use much this season. In three games, Fodge only has punted eight times.

He has seen more time on the field holding for kicker Dan Bailey's extra points and field goals. In fact, Fodge stood on the sidelines for six consecutive quarters covering the Houston and Missouri State games without punting.

"It's always exciting when we score a lot of touchdowns. It really does not matter to me whether I go out there to hold or punt," Fodge said. "I'd probably rather hold than punt, truthfully, because that means our team is having success."

But Fodge hasn't lost focus on his main responsibilities for the Cowboys.

When he has punted, he has been a valuable weapon.

The senior has a 43.6-yard average for his eight punts. His net punting average (average yards per punt minus average yards per punt return) is the same. The net-average figure is No. 1 in the country, according to the NCAA statistics.

"That is what you are looking for," special teams coordinator Joe DeForest said.

Fodge's combination of hang time, distance and directional kicks has contributed to his solid start. Only one opponent, Missouri State's Chase Mejia, has tried to return a Fodge punt. Mejia was stopped for a return of zero yards.

Fodge has put together good gross (total yardage) punt averages of more than 42 yards per kick the past two seasons. But the net average total per kick was roughly 34 yards.

"Having a high gross average is cool. But in the end, the only total that really matters is that net average," Fodge said. "That is something I lacked my sophomore year and a little in my junior year. I want to get that net up there to help put our defense in the best field position possible."

Fodge has helped flip the field and put opposing offenses in tough starting position.

Six of his eight punts have pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line.

Though he did not punt until the fourth quarter of the 57-13 win against Missouri State two weeks ago, Fodge made sure his three punts were effective. Missouri State started possessions at its 3-, 10- and 4-yard lines following Fodge's work.

"He gives me crap, asking to stall a drive out at our 30 so he can let one rip," quarterback Zac Robinson said of Fodge. "But punting is not a bad thing for our offense. Turnovers will get you beat. But having a punter like Matt can turn the field position around for us."

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com

SUPER FODGE

OSU senior punter Matt Fodge has provided a valuable weapon for the Cowboys this fall. None of his eight punts have been returned for any yardage. A look at Fodge’s 2008 season compared to his previous three OSU seasons:

YEAR	PUNTS	AVG.	NET AVG.	TB	FC	I20
2008	8	43.6	43.6	0	2	6
2007	51	42.4	34.4	4	7	13
2006	50	44.9	35.7	4	9	14
2005	65	39.9	35.3	4	16	20

Key: TB (touchbacks) FC (fair catches) I20 (inside 20-yard line)

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer

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