Sunday Sidebar: Murphy Revitalizes Kicking Game
10/22/2017 7:07:00 PM | Football
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Orange pinned 19 points on the No. 8 Miami Hurricanes yesterday with 13 of those coming off the right foot of placekicker Cole Murphy. The senior knocked four field goals through the uprights, tying his career high, and tacked on the extra point after Moe Neal's 15-yard touchdown run.
On a day when the Syracuse offense had difficulties finding the end zone, Murphy's performance kept the Orange within striking distance of the Hurricanes throughout. It also signaled that the senior has put last year's struggles behind him.
On a slick surface at Hard Rock Stadium, he connected from 22, 40, 45 and 53 yards out against Miami to improve to 16-for-18 (.889) on the year. His 16 field goals are the most in the ACC. He also ranks second in the conference in field-goal percentage, and leads the league and ranks fourth nationally in field goals made per game (2.0).
Murphy did not experience this type of success last season. After making 76.3 percent (29-38) of his field-goal tries as a freshman and sophomore, his conversion rate dipped to 55.6 percent (10-18) in 2016.
"Last year I was always second-guessing myself and IÂ was very anxious," Murphy said, "Now I'm more in control. That's the word I like to use."
None of his kicks yesterday was bigger than the 53-yarder he drilled with 5:23 remaining against the Hurricanes. The boot trimmed the Miami lead to 20-19 and represented his career-long. Murphy now has four field goals of 50+ yards. The only placekicker in Syracuse history with more from that distance is Dave Jacobs, who hit seven from 50 yards away and beyond during his career.
If Murphy continues on his current pace, he should become the Syracuse all-time leader in made field goals by mid-November. John Biskup holds the program record with 57. After hitting four yesterday, Murphy sits in second place with 55.
When head coach Dino Babers was asked if he had spoken to his kicker after the game Babers hollered to the back of the visiting team media room.
"Cole Murphy," Babers said. "I've never seen anything like that before. You were outstanding today."
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