Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Kyle Brotzman's Swan Song

Kyle Brotzman has had more press than any field goal kicker this season or for any season that I can remember. It started with his missed 26 yard field goal attempt with one second left that would have preserved Boise States perfect season instead of sending the game into overtime. Minutes later Brotz misses a 29 yarder and Boise lost to Nevada in overtime, dashing their hopes for the Rose Bowl.

This week was another week of alot of pregame press focused on Brotzman and how the Utah contingent were taunting him even during the game with signs that read wide right.

Tonight in the Maaco Bowl held in Las Vegas Kyle played his final collegiate game, needing only three points to become the all time leading scorer in college football history.

A year ago in the Fiesta Bowl against TCU, the team that replaced Boise for this years non AQ and is playing in the Rose Bowl, Brotz was a hero. Midway through the 4th quarter deep in Bronco territory Brotz faked the punt and calmly threw a perfect strike to Kyle Effaw for a first down that set up the game winning score.

This year in the first half Boise tried another fake punt against the Utah Utes. Brotzman took the snap and pitched the ball to Austin Pettis who came from the left wide receiver slot. Brotz then circled out left and became the primary receiver. He as wide open, had a sure first down and nothing but green grass in front of him. He took his eyes off the ball and tried to run before he made the catch, dropped pass.

I began to think this is the most snake bit kid I have ever seen. Trailing 3 to 0 Boise finally scores in the second quarter and Kyle comes to within one point of tying the all time scoring record. Later in the first half Boise is in has to attempt a field goal. Twenty nine yards from hero or goat Brotzman lines up and finally breaks his three field goals missed streak and puts it right down Broadway.

I think even the Utah players and fans were glad to see this kid get the monkey off his back and become the all time leading scorer in college football. Even the announcers Herbstreit and Musburger talked more about he made than he set a new record.

Overall Brotzman had a mixed night, he went 2 for 3 on field goals, one was blocked and had a dropped pass. However Utah was held to just 3 points and Brotzman had a role in keeping them out of the end zone. He had two touchdown saving tackles on special teams.

Over all it was a fitting end to great career at Boise State, he will be missed and I do hope he gets his shot at pro ball. Than you Kyle Brotzman for the memories and all you did for Bronco Football.

Field Goal Kicking DVDs

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