Lou Groza Award Finalists

Tonight, during the Orange Bowl, the Lou Groza Award for best Collegiate Place Kicker will be handed out. From the official site, the finalists are:

John Vaughn, Auburn University, is currently tied for 3rd in the NCAA with 19 made field goals on the season. The senior is 19 of 23 in field goals. Twice this season Vaughn has made four field goals in a game. This season Vaughn is 2 of 3 in field goals 50 yards and longer. His season long came against Mississippi State when he connected on a 55-yard field goal. Also, Vaughn is a perfect 32 of 32 in extra points this season. Vaughn was also named a Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Star of the Week twice this season.

Arthur Carmody, University of Louisville, has been tremendously accurate all season long. On the year he has connected on 94.1% of his field goals. That percentage is currently the 3rd best in the NCAA for place-kickers who have attempted at least 10 field goals. Carmody is 16 of 17 in field goals this season with a long of 51-yards. The junior place-kicker is currently first among kickers in points per game with 9.3 points per game. Carmody is also a perfect 45 for 45 in extra points this season. On three occasions this year Carmody was 3 of 3 in field goals, helping his team win all three games.

Garrett Hartley, University of Oklahoma, has connected on 17 of 18 field goals this season. His only miss on the year came on a blocked 44-yard field goal against Oregon. Hartley currently ranks 2nd among all players in the Big 12 Conference with 8.2 points per game. The junior place-kicker’s season long is a 46-yard field goal against Iowa State. Hartley has also remained perfect this season in extra point attempts going 39 of 39. Twice this year Hartley was named a Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Star of the Week.

Congrats to all three finalists. Good luck tonight!