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Pat McAfee explains how specialist ‘brand’ could prove crucial for Ohio State in Fiesta Bowl
By Paul Harvey
Published:
When it comes to X-factors, College GameDay co-host Pat McAfee knows a thing or two about special teams.
The long-time punter for the Indianapolis Colts is now an analyst for ESPN and a part of the popular Saturday morning pregame show. He also highlighted Ohio State’s specialists as a potential key for Saturday’s semifinal game.
Here’s what McAfee had to say about the special teams unit for the Buckeyes:
“Fun little fun fact: No. 3 stat for determining a game on who wins or loses…field position. Drue Chrisman and Blake Haubeil for Ohio State are going to be weapons today,” said McAfee. “If Chrisman can pin Trevor Lawrence back and let Chase Young and the defense eat, that could be a real x-factor. And every point is going to matter. Blake Haubeil has not missed a kick since October. Since then, he’s banged a 55-yarder. Every point is going to count, and the brand is going to represent today.”
Chris Fowler also reinforced McAfee’s point, citing the special teams efficiency gap between Ohio State and Clemson. The Buckeyes finished top five in the statistic while the Tigers ranked in the 90s.
Special teams may be an afterthought, but they could prove to be a crucial difference-maker in the Fiesta Bowl.
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.