For the Brand: B1G punters dominating national leaderboard entering Week 5

Special teams do not always get the spotlight. But when things are bad, they can have a disastrous impact. Just ask Nebraska.

Fortunately, there are some strong special teams units in the B1G led by some brilliant punters. Yes, punters are players too, and a good one can pay off in big ways.

According to CFBStats, 4 punters from the B1G rank in the top 10 nationally for punting average. That includes 2 punters who are averaging 50+ yards on punts to begin the year.

Here are the 4 B1G punters flexing their leg in 2021, along with their national rank:

• 2. Bryce Baringer, Michigan State – 55.11
• 5. Adam Korsak, Rutgers – 50.31
• 6. Andy Vujnovich, Wisconsin – 49.29
• 7. Jordan Stout, Penn State – 49.17

The B1G’s strong work does not stop there. Iowa’s Tory Taylor (13) and Illinois’ Blake Hayes (19) also rank inside the top 20 nationally.

A number of these are already named to the Ray Guy Award watchlist, and those that aren’t might be playing their way into some recognition. Either way, don’t sleep on these punters moving forward. They can flip the field and turn a game on its head by pinning opponents deep.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.