MSU’s Search for a Field Goal Kicker

Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs kicker Evan Sobiesk (41) kicks a field goal as quarterback Dak Prescott (15) holds against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State’s field goal problems the last couple of years are well documented, but at least Evan Sobiesk was able to put short to medium range attempts through the uprights this fall. That was good enough.

But, if I may steal a line from For Whom the Cowbell Tolls, he will be with the team “no molar”. Turns out Evan is ready to pursue a career in dentistry, and wants to focus on that.

First off, best of luck to you Evan. Secondly, I have to ask – is he graduating this spring and off to dental school in the fall or is this decision just based on his desire to focus on academics in preparation for dental school? He graduated high school in 2012 so I would imagine he still has one more year at MSU.

I know if this is the case he’ll be taking the DAT this summer and that’s really stressful and you’ve got to have great grades as well so it’s completely understandable….BUT is there any way we could convince him to stay with a scholarship offer? Evan has been a walk-on the last three years, so there’s not much incentive to stay on the team when you’re paying your own way….but how about a scholly offer?

He was 12 of 14 this year, pushing 11 of 12 inside the 40 yard line through. That was solid consistency. It would be nice to have back. Compared to 2013 when State was just 10 of 21 as a team, it was a marked improvement.

So what do we do? 

Option 1: If I’m Dan Mullen, I’d take Devon Bell’s scholarship, put it in my hand and offer it to Evan Sobiesk. Bell has quit attempting field goals and switched to punting full time. Well….Logan Cooke has already shown he can handle the punting and kickoff duties that Bell was supposed to be in charge of. Bell has a scholly and really isn’t needed as badly as Sobiesk is in 2015. Sobes accepting this offer would be the best-case scenario.

Option 2: Most likely Sobiesk has already made up his mind, and option 1 isn’t actually an option. I was hoping UAB’s kicker, who booted a 44 and 46 yarder had some eligibility left but he doesn’t, so that puts us back at square one with Devon Bell. Devon – you have to get over the mental block and kick field goals for Mississippi State. This has to happen. We don’t need a punter, we need a placekicker. You hit over 70% of your kicks inside the 40 as a true freshman! You made four field goals longer than 40 yards that year. You can do this.

Option 3: just eliminate kickers. Go for two after every touchdown.  4th & 3 at the 20? Go for it.

The kicking game situation is not the best for MSU. Hopefully someone will emerge who can accurately kick field goals.