Oregon’s junior kicker Gage Hurych just snagged the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award, and honestly, it’s about time he got some recognition. This dude was absolutely clutch in Oregon’s tight 17-14 victory over Nebraska on Saturday, proving exactly why the special teams unit has been one of the biggest bright spots this season. When the Ducks needed him most to slowly start that comeback, Hurych was lights out.
Hurych Delivered When the Ducks Needed It Most Against Nebraska
Let’s talk about that Nebraska game for a second. It wasn’t exactly a blow-out, right? A tight 17-14 win, and Hurych was a massive reason why. This guy, in his first year as the Ducks’ starting kicker, drilled three field goals in the second half. We’re talking a pair from 36 yards and another from 37 yards. Every single one of those kicks was huge, not just flipping field position but actually putting points on the board when Oregon needed them to dig out of that hole. The special teams unit lived up to its name, and Hurych was the spearhead.
A Perfect Season So Far For Oregon’s New Kicking Weapon
Here’s the wild part: Dan Lanning hasn’t had to lean on Hurych a ton this season, but when his number gets called, the West Linn product *delivers*. Gage is rocking a perfect 9-for-9 on field goal attempts so far this season. Think about that: absolutely flawless. His long for the year is a 44-yarder he hit way back in the season opener against Boise State. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also perfect on extra points, going 19-for-19. He’s one of only seven kickers in the entire FBS who hasn’t missed a field goal with at least nine attempts. The last time an Oregon specialist won this award was Atticus Sappington last November, connecting on three field goals and a game-winner on the road at Iowa. Hurych is the first Oregon player to pick up Big Ten weekly honors this season, and it’s well deserved.
Hurych and the Ducks are heading to Illinois this Saturday for another Big Ten clash. Kickoff is set for noon PT, and you can catch all the action live on Big Ten Network on October 24. Can Hurych keep this perfect season going? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply