Moments after making a game-winning field goal earlier this season, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker detailed the steps that go into a field goal, noting that he’s only one part of a larger process. That’s true. Not even the greatest kicker ever will be effective if the other parts are not done well. But a good holder can sometimes save a bad snap and a good kicker can save a bad hold. Conversely, a bad kicker can offset great hold and snap. So, a kicker is the most important part of the process.
Air Force learned that lesson in a hilarious way on Thursday in the Armed Forces Bowl against Baylor.
Leading 6-0 late in the first quarter, a Falcons drive stalled at the 20-yard line. Facing a fourth-and-six, Air Force opted to try a 37-yard field goal. But Matthew Dapore, the Falcons kicker, was a little late in getting the memo.
Ever get the feeling that you're forgetting something, but can't quite figure out what it is? Air Force can relate. pic.twitter.com/ACxHn5qYUC
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 23, 2022
Football fans loved the hilarious gaffe.
Vincent Verhei of Pro Football Outsiders tweeted that “No-stakes bowl games are the best bowl games.” The Sickos committee page meanwhile, put out a laughing emoji with the caption, “the kicker was like oh yeah that’s my job.”
No-stakes bowl games are the best bowl games. https://t.co/mO2LFbsyrT
— Vincent Verhei (@VincentVerhei) December 23, 2022
🤣 the kicker was like oh yeah that’s my job. https://t.co/o8xRVV4W2v
— 🇸🇲 Sickos Committee 🇸🇲 (@SickosCommittee) December 23, 2022
Mr. Matthew, CFB, tweeted the video asking one simple question, “WHERE’S THE KICKER???”
https://twitter.com/MrMatthewCFB/status/1606094312328003585
Fortunately for Dapore and his Air Force teammates, the mistake didn’t prove costly. While Dapore did rush onto the field after his teammates were set, he got out there quickly enough that the Falcons could snap the ball without having to call a time-out. Even better, he made the kick.
But while it worked out this time, we doubt Dapore will make this mistake again any time soon.
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
