Wolverines Will Face Alabama in Reliaquest Bowl
Michigan to face Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa.
Michigan to face Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa.
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TLDR: Dominic Zvada, a standout transfer kicker from Arkansas State for Michigan Wolverines, impressed this season with stellar performance, being 15-of-16 on the year and making all six attempts from over 50 yards. However, despite these achievements, Zvada was overlooked for the prestigious Lou Groza Award. The award’s committee opted for Louisiana’s Kenneth Almendares, Florida State’s Ryan Fitzgerald, and Kentucky’s Alex Raynor as the finalists. Michigan fans find it baffling given that Zvada’s stats are comparable to, or arguably more impressive than, the listed candidates. Despite this notable oversight, Michigan football celebrates other Wolverines nominated for national awards: Mason Graham for the Outland Trophy, Colston Loveland for the John Mackey Award, and William Wagner for the Mannelly Award. Zvada’s exclusion remains a topic of discussion among fans and could hint at further motivation for the standout player as he continues to shine in Ann Arbor.
The Michigan Wolverines had a strategic win this offseason by securing Arkansas State kicker Dominic Zvada from the transfer portal, much to the excitement of Wolverine fans. Zvada has proven to be a significant asset, potentially one of the offensive standouts this season for the team. His stat sheet shows impressive numbers, with Zvada delivering consistency by converting 15 of his 16 field goal attempts—his only ‘miss’ resulted from a blocked attempt. Zvada’s strength is evident with his long-range capability, having connected on all of his six field goals from beyond 50 yards, maintaining a nearly flawless track record on extra points as well.
Despite these impressive accomplishments, Zvada was surprisingly not included among the finalists for the Lou Groza Award—an accolade honoring the nation’s top kicker. This decision was a surprise to many who followed Wolverines through the season, given that Michigan kicker Jake Moody had previously captured this award. Instead, the honor went to a select few, with Louisiana’s Kenneth Almendares, Florida State’s Ryan Fitzgerald, and Kentucky’s Alex Raynor being named as the finalists.
Comparatively, Fitzgerald boasts a perfect field goal track with 12 out of 12 and equally perfect extra points. Raynor maintains a similar record to Zvada, with 15 of 16 field goals and an equivalent 24 of 25 in extra points, but with fewer attempts from significantly long distances. Almendares, while leading with attempts, shows a higher number of misses in both long-range field goals and conversions of extra points. While all these kickers are undoubtedly talented, Zvada’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, given his steady performance under pressure.
The Wolverines do have reasons to cheer with other team members receiving well-deserved recognition. Defensive tackle Mason Graham’s dominance has earned him a spot as a finalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman. Tight end Colston Loveland has captured attention as a finalist for the John Mackey Award, highlighting his exceptional role as the top tight end in the country. William Wagner, the team’s long snapper, stands out as a worthy contender for the Mannelly Award, which honors the nation’s best long snapper.
While the omission of Zvada from the Lou Groza Award reverberates within the Michigan community, this season’s achievements hint at a promising continuation of his career. The Wolverines’ ongoing recognition through individual honors portrays a team with deep talent benchmarks, cementing a positive outlook for the future of Michigan football.
Michigan to face Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa.
Michigan Football navigates transfers with key players seeking new paths.
Michigan Football navigates transfers with key players seeking new paths.
Jenai Eastman, a spirited Midwesterner who embodies her passion for sports through her love for Michigan football, fondness for fishing, and enthusiasm for college basketball. When she's not cheering for her favorite team, you can find her honing her culinary skills in the kitchen.