The Cincinnati Bearcats missed on getting a player named to the 2014 Ray Guy or Lou Groza Award watch lists when they were revealed today.
The Ray Guy Award is presented to the nation’s best punter. Last year, Memphis’ Tom Hornsey walked away with the trophy and I fully believe if Pat O’Donnell didn’t transfer to the Miami Hurricanes, he would have been at or near the top of the list in 2013. But he moved on and John Lloyd performed admirably in his stead adjusting to new rugby-style schemes. Unfortunately his 36th best punting average last season wasn’t good enough to get him on the Ray Guy Award watch list, especially when one-third of his punts went to Brendon Kay.
While I’m not overtly surprised about Lloyd being omitted, I’m even less surprised with Tony Miliano and the Lou Groza Award. This trophy is presented to college football’s best kicker and based on his 2013 campaign there was just no way Miliano could come close to that watch list. He shanked 10 out of 17 field goal tries and even missed a pair of extra points. Miliano was completely unreliable last season and as a result could be supplanted by transfer Andrew Gantz heading into next season.
Hopefully the Bearcats have more luck tomorrow when the Bronko Nagurski (Most Outstanding Defensive Player) and Outland Trophy (Most Outstanding Interior Offensive Lineman) watch lists are released.
Also on the watch list front:
- Deyshawn Bond renamed to Rimington Award (Best Center) watch list
- No Bearcats were named to the Bednarik Award (Best Defensive Player) or Maxwell Award (Best Offensive Player) watch lists
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