Iowa punter Tory Taylor rips Lou Groza Award voters over Caleb Shudak snub
Special teams play a critical role in Iowa’s success. That’s always been the case under Kirk Ferentz. So when the Hawkeyes are subbed from these awards, there can be some backlash.
Iowa punter Tory Taylor didn’t hold back this week, either. On Tuesday, finalists were named for multiple college football awards, including the Ray Guy (top punter) and the Lou Groza (top place kicker).
Neither Taylor nor Caleb Shudak was named a finalist for the awards.
Taylor was fine with not being named a finalist, but went on a 2-minute tirade over Shudak’s snub from the Lou Groza Award list. The Hawkeye punter questioned whether voters actually watched the games or were just “smoking cigars and having a beer” when voting.
247Sports’ David Eickholt had the video:
Iowa punter Tory Taylor made it clear he wasn’t happy about Caleb Shudak not being a Lou Groza Award Finalist:
“I question who is actually sitting down— are they just sitting around smoking a cigar, having a beer and deciding who is going to win the Lou Groza…” pic.twitter.com/tTurMUHJYq
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) November 23, 2021
That’s a good teammate.
Shudak has been outstanding for the Hawkeyes this season. He’s converted on 18-of-21 field goal attempts this season and is 3-of-5 from 50 yards or longer. His season long his from 51 yards out.
Shudak is also a perfect 11-of-11 on kicks between 30 and 49 yards out. The Iowa kicker has been successful on all 32 PAT tries, too.