Auburn, the Longhorns’ record-breaking kicker, faces his biggest test yet in Friday’s Cotton Bowl semifinal matchup against Ohio State. After missing two potential game-winning field goals in the Peach Bowl, Auburn’s mental toughness will be put to the ultimate test
Auburn’s misses were uncharacteristic, given his impressive track record. He’s connected on 66 field goals in his Texas career, surpassing Longhorn greats Justin Tucker and Cameron Dicker. However, his numbers have dipped slightly this season, with a 64% field goal percentage (16 of 25).
Despite the misses, Auburn’s high school coach, Brian Basil, and his Texas teammates remain confident in his abilities. “Bert’s always been very consistent,” Basil said. “I think the thing that specialists go through is that nobody’s perfect.”
Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. echoed Basil’s sentiments: “He’s been doing good in practice. His confidence doesn’t look like it’s gone away at all. We trust him as a team, and we believe in his ability to go out there and make field goals.”
Former NFL kicker John Carney, who made over 470 field goals in his career, offered words of wisdom: “Every kicker knows what that’s like… Sometimes we have to have amnesia.”
Carney also agreed with former Alabama coach Nick Saban’s assessment that Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian may have inadvertently added pressure on Auburn by pulling him aside before the potential game-winning kick.
As Auburn prepares for the biggest game of his career, he’ll look to redeem himself and lead the Longhorns to the national championship game. With his team’s support and his own mental toughness, Auburn is ready to put the past behind him and make his mark on the biggest stage.
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