For Epstein, a chance for redemption, heroism

Ten years ago, J.D. Carlson kicked the winning field goal to beat Ohio State 16-13 at Columbus, giving the Wolverines a share of the Big Ten title with three other teams all at 6-2.

 

Mark Francescutti The Daily Grind

Now in 2000, there are four teams, all with 5-2 records, and the Wolverines once again travel to Ohio State to battle for at least a share of the Big Ten championship.

And once again, the biggest factor on the field may not be Drew Henson's offensive firepower, or Todd Howard's "timely" interceptions. The game, as it has in the past, will likely come down to special teams.

On Monday, coach Lloyd Carr gave significant praise to his team's coverage on punts and kickoffs this season. But coverage units are a team of guys tough to differentiate. Long snappers are unknowns, even when they are the culprits on a field goal miss or botched punt. Instead, people gaze their eyes at only two players on special teams - the punter and kicker.

For Epstein, that's double duty. The pressure on the junior kicker/punter from Cardiff, Calif. is enormous everytime he steps onto the field, and could reach new heights this weekend.

As a kicker, it's probably tough to be accepted in the fraternity of football. The position seems so separated - so different. And to make things tougher, Epstein hasn't had the perfect ride through the Michigan football rollercoaster.

After replacing Jeff Del Verne on field goal kicks in the last five games of the 1999 season, Epstein has struggled with a string of inconsistent games - and even when kicks go bad for other reasons, Epstein takes much of the blame.

First there was Phillip Weeks' block of the would-be game-winning 36-yarder in the 1999 Orange Bowl - a missed opportunity that sent the game into overtime.

In Michigan's first game against Bowling Green, another of Epstein's kicks was batted away again.

When asked about the blocks, Carr admitted that Epstein needed to get the ball a little higher on kicks - indicating a slight withering of the coach's confidence - and a small passing warning to Epstein before the UCLA game.

Epstein's trip to Pasadena was the perfect opportunity to prove some prowess with his leg - a homecoming with family and friends in a nationally-televised matchup.

But home wasn't so sweet, as the junior missed two field goals and an extra point in the 23-20 loss to UCLA.

Epstein then mishandled a snap on a punt at Illinois a week later.

Instead of taking the safety, he tried to hastily punt the ball while being hit. The Fighting Illini recovered on the three-yard line. Illinois scored a touchdown on the next play.

The following week, Carr replaced Epstein with Del Verne, after losing confidence in his kicker.

But this past Saturday Carr said that Del Verne has a "slight injury." Regardless of what slight means, it allowed Epstein to regain the position - just in time for the Ohio State game and a possible Big Ten championship.

Michigan is pretty solid in punt returns, kickoff returns and punting (which earned Epstein a spot as a national Ray Guy award finalist). But when it comes to kicking, Epstein's six-of-11 field goal performance won't cut it.

Standing on the other end of the field is Ohio State's Dan Stultz. Stultz was a perfect 4-for-4 in field goals, including the game-winning 34-yarder last weekend. He now rests as the all-time leading kicker in Ohio State history.

The advantage points directly to Ohio State. It looks like it's no contest between the kickers.

But when the game comes down to a field goal, like it has in the past, Epstein may get his chance.

And let's hope this time he can make it.

- Mark Francescutti can be reached at mfrances@umich.edu.