It’s no secret that Nebraska football kicker Connor Culp is having his share of struggles this year. Named the Big Ten Kicker of the Year last year, he has unfortunately looked like anything but an award-winning kicker. Despite my last statement, I really do feel for him. When a kicker gets into a mental rut, it’s hard to climb back out of it.
Speaking on Monday, Nebraska football head coach Scott Frost indicated that he still has faith in Culp. Nevertheless, he also noted that Nebraska football is going to begin a competition at the kicking position.
I think that this is a smart move for a couple of reasons. For one, it may be good to see what Nebraska football has in terms of kicking depth for the future. The program needs to think about life after Culp. It’s unfortunate that we have to think that way, but it’s true.
Secondly, this may push Culp to get out of his mental funk or whatever he is working through. Whatever it is, he is struggling mightily at the moment. He is three-of-eight on field goals, and 13-of-16 on extra points. One has to wonder had he made field goals on Saturday if the outcome may have been different against Oklahoma.
Nevertheless, there is no sense beating the proverbial dead horse, at least not right now. Right now, the program is focusing on trying to fix and correct the issue. In speaking to the media, Frost indicated that they are exploring their depth at kicker. As Brian Christopherson notes, Frost is exploring his options at the position for this week.
Frost says he has a lot of faith in kicker Connor Culp, and trusts that Culp can get things right after a tough start to the season. Frost said, though, that the kicking job is open for this week. “We have to do what’s best for the team and we’re going to play the guy at any position who gives us the best chance to win,” Frost said.
Hopefully, Nebraska football can get it corrected before it really starts to hurt the program. I have a lot of confidence in Culp too. He is a very good kicker. Hopefully, he’ll be able to get out of this mental rut and continue to be an asset for the program during his time here. He certainly has the athletic capabilities to make an impact.
