Nick KrugKansas University punter Eric Kahn got one chance to hang on to his starting job during Saturday’s 30-20 loss to Texas Tech at Memorial Stadium.
And when that kick sailed just 23 yards after KU’s second offensive possession of the game, KU coach David Beaty elected to look elsewhere the rest of the way.
But unlike a week ago, when Beaty benched Kahn in favor of senior transfer Ruben Guzman, this time he called on junior place kicker Matthew Wyman, who said after the loss that he had only punted live in a game three times in high school.
Beaty said the KU coaches first explored the idea of using Wyman on punts a week ago and were taken aback by his unique style.
“It didn’t even look like a punt,” Beaty said. “So we showed him how to do it, and, I mean, he’s got such a strong leg, if he can just get his foot on it, it goes. He’s come a long way in a week.”
Wyman averaged 42.3 yards per punt on three attempts Saturday, including one that was downed inside the 20.
“I love that dude,” Beaty said. “He had a couple of tough things going today (two missed field goals) but man, he really stood out big for us in the punt game, which is something that had been absent.
Added Wyman: “I knew there was a chance of me getting thrown in there and I just wanted to go out there and do my best.”
— See what people were saying about the game during KUsports.com’s live blog.
