Kicker?

[yjnkdawg]

We all just need to accept the fact that Mullen doesn't believe STs are a priority and an important part of the game. We've got 6 years of evidence at this point. You would think someone like JWS could talk some sense into him on the subject, but it's apparent it can't be done. Otherwise why do we continue to leave Mullen's bff Sallach on the field instead of moving him to an administrative position and using his spot to get a legit ST coach? Sure, Mullen may get pissed in the moment when our STs take a dump on the field and cost us a game, but he doesn't do anything to address the problem. He just continues to trot out the same shitty KR/PR guys, same weak legged Ks who make up for it by being inaccurate, etc. The only thing we do well on STs is punt and cover.

And say what you will about Knox being the "ST Coordinator," but it was always a farce designed to a) take heat off Mullen with the fans for our shitastic STs by giving him someone to blame and b) give Knox an extra title to get him a little extra money. I saw all I needed to during the SEC Network launch when they had video of Mullen still actively "coaching" our kickers. That was always a title only move, as I suspected the moment it was announced.

I'll continue beating the drum for legitimate changes in our approach to STs in hopes that eventually it will change, but I won't hold my breath on it. Mullen is a stubborn bastard and clearly thinks the key to winning is scoring more points on offense and giving up fewer points on D, without realizing that we'd score more points if we had Ks who were accurate from 40 and in and KR/PR guys who were legit threats and didn't cost us field position. It's harder to score when your offense is having to constantly drive a long field. Mullen may give lip service to STs, but all the evidence is that he doesn't really believe in them. Until he does believe in STs, I'm afraid 10 wins will be our hard ceiling.

Keith Mixon could be that kr and pr, if they don't decide to redshirt him.