Why This Season's College Football Kickers Are Facing Unprecedented Pressure – You Won't Believe the Stakes!

As Thanksgiving week rolls around, it's a fitting moment to appreciate the oft-overlooked heroes of college football: the kickers. Standing mostly alone on the sidelines until their moment comes, these athletes have been remarkable this season, potentially playing pivotal roles in upcoming rivalry games.

Current statistics from Sportradar indicate that kickers in the Bowl Subdivision have achieved a stunning 77.2% success rate on field goals as the regular season approaches its conclusion. This trend points toward breaking last season's record of 76.7%. Additionally, kickers recorded a milestone last year by making over half of their attempts from beyond 50 yards for the first time, hitting 54.7%. This season, they are clocking in at 51.8% in the same category, while the extra-point success rate stands impressively at 98.6%, surpassing the previous record of 98.1% set in 2023.

Leading the pack is Kansei Matsuzawa from Hawaii, who has astoundingly gone 23 for 23 this season, marking the longest run of perfection in FBS history. Known as the “Tokyo Toe,” Matsuzawa has been particularly impressive from mid-range, making 8 of 8 attempts from 40-49 yards and successfully converting one attempt beyond 50 yards at 52 yards.

As we look ahead to this week’s significant games, fans and analysts alike are gearing up for a series of rivalry matchups that could have far-reaching implications for the postseason. Here are some key matchups, complete with insights and predictions, along with their corresponding point spreads from BetMGM Sportsbook:

No. 1 Ohio State (–10) at No. 15 Michigan: The Buckeyes, despite facing a four-game losing streak in this historic matchup, might not need their injured wide receivers, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, to end their run of bad luck. Prediction: Ohio State wins 24-13.

No. 2 Indiana (–28.5) at Purdue: The Boilermakers, struggling with nine consecutive losses, are showing some improvement compared to last year's disastrous 66-0 defeat by Indiana. Nevertheless, Indiana is poised for its first 12-win season and a spot in the Big Ten title game. Prediction: Indiana wins 45-10.

No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 16 Texas (+2.5): This game sets up as a quarterback showdown, with Texas A&M's Marcel Reed facing off against Texas's Arch Manning, who recently shone with a six-touchdown game against Arkansas. Prediction: Texas A&M wins 31-30.

No. 4 Georgia (–13) at No. 23 Georgia Tech: The Bulldogs are on a seven-game winning streak and appear formidable, while Georgia Tech has struggled defensively, allowing 124 points in their last three games. Prediction: Georgia wins 40-24.

No. 5 Oregon at Washington (+7): Oregon’s defense will face a tough test against Washington’s Demond Williams Jr., a dual-threat quarterback presenting unique challenges. Prediction: Oregon wins 28-22.

No. 6 Mississippi at Mississippi State (+7.5): The Egg Bowl brings heightened stakes, as Coach Lane Kiffin faces the spotlight regarding his future. Mississippi's strong run game, led by Kewan Lacy, should give them the edge. Prediction: Mississippi wins 27-20.

No. 7 Texas Tech (–23.5) at West Virginia: With a chance to clinch their first Big 12 title game appearance, Texas Tech is looking formidable against a West Virginia team struggling in recent matchups. Prediction: Texas Tech wins 52-17.

LSU (+10) at No. 8 Oklahoma: Both offenses have struggled lately, but Oklahoma's defense could play a critical role as they seek an at-large bid for the College Football Playoff. Prediction: Oklahoma wins 19-10.

No. 9 Notre Dame at Stanford (+32.5): The Fighting Irish are set for a late kickoff, their latest since 1991, but they should still handle Stanford effectively. Prediction: Notre Dame wins 33-14.

No. 10 Alabama at Auburn (+5.5): The Iron Bowl is traditionally tight, with Auburn's recent losses often coming by single-digit margins. Prediction: Auburn wins 23-21.

UCF at No. 11 BYU (–17.5): After missing out on the Big 12 championship last year, BYU is determined not to let history repeat itself. Prediction: BYU wins 30-7.

No. 12 Vanderbilt (+2.5) at No. 18 Tennessee: This matchup features the SEC's top two scoring offenses, but Vanderbilt’s defense may give them the edge. Prediction: Vanderbilt wins 45-42.

No. 13 Miami at No. 24 Pittsburgh (+6.5): Both teams are still in the mix for the ACC title but need outside help. Prediction: Pittsburgh wins 26-24.

No. 14 Utah (–13.5) at Kansas: With a potent rushing offense, Utah has been scoring at will, making them favorites in this matchup. Prediction: Utah wins 38-19.

Virginia Tech at No. 17 Virginia (–10.5): Virginia has a chance to secure a spot in the ACC title game with a win, though Virginia Tech holds a strong historical record in this rivalry. Prediction: Virginia wins 28-16.

UCLA at No. 19 USC (–20.5): After falling out of CFP contention, motivation could be a factor for USC. Prediction: USC wins 42-21.

No. 20 James Madison (–22.5) at Coastal Carolina: James Madison can tie their FBS program record with an 11th win, looking strong in this matchup. Prediction: James Madison wins 41-14.

Temple at No. 21 North Texas (–19.5): Following a hot streak, North Texas aims to finish strong despite their coach's upcoming departure. Prediction: North Texas wins 43-23.

Charlotte at No. 22 Tulane (–29.5): Tulane is in a favorable position to rest their starters if they can build an early lead. Prediction: Tulane wins 39-7.

No. 25 SMU (–11.5) at California: SMU is aiming for a shot at the ACC title game, bolstered by a strong defensive line. Prediction: SMU wins 27-13.

In the previous week, the predictions were solid, boasting a 14-3 record straight-up and 13-4 against the spread. For the season, it stands at 170-51 for straight-up picks and 106-114-1 against the spread. With the stakes higher than ever, this week promises to deliver the excitement and drama that college football fans have come to expect.