A) of course they know the rule. b) returning returnable kicks has been
a significant net positive for us this year. I just checked some numbers, and the short(ish) version is:
++ there have been 26 times this season where we have received the ball from a kickoff. 13 of those have started at the 25. I'm guessing those are all touchbacks, but not really sure. it's possible 1 or more were actually returned to exactly the 25.
++ 13 were definitely returned, as they started somewhere other than the 25
++ Of those 13, 7 started inside the 25, and 6 started outside the 25. So about half the time, the gamble pays off.
++ Average starting field position for those that didn't reach the 25 is the VT 17.4, for -7.6 yards. Worst starting position was the 11 (after a penalty on a kick that was returned well beyond the 30), and the median starting position was the VT 18
++ Avg starting field position for those that went beyond the 25 is the VT 46.1 (+21.1). Best starting position was the opp 22 (WVU), median was the VT 41.
I'll take that all day every day.
Also, just looking at some basic stats, VT is 17th nationally in average kickoff return, at 27.47. Returning the kickoffs is a risk well worth taking IMO.
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In response to this post by soldcokesatLane)
Posted: 10/20/2021 at 5:26PM