Greder: The U needs development from kicker Michael Lantz, new returner(s) and Australian punter Mark Crawford in 2020.

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Crawford debut to football vs Michigan? Bold strategy Cotton?
 

It was really amazing that the Gophers could finish 11-2 last year with how poor the special teams were. We lost badly on special teams (and also 3rd/4th and short decisions and execution) yet still were able to win most games decisively which speaks highly of every other aspect of the football team. We didn't even attempt to return kicks or punts last year, had a terrible punt average, our kickoff guy kicked it out of bounds often and at the worst possible times, our field goal kicker didn't have a strong leg, and we gave up a number of long returns or td's on kick coverage. Even though we didn't set up any returns last year, Douglas at least caught the ball. I hope we have someone we feel confident in fielding punts as that is a special skill and fumbles there are an absolute killer.
 

Special teams were definitely a problem last year. Week after week, something would go wrong and the Gophers overcame the problems with good offense and defense. Hopefully this was a point of emphasis over the off season and we can look forward to the special teams showing big improvement this year.
 

Nothing like amazing, terrible, poor execution, and definite week after week hyperbole to start the day.
 


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