Minnesota Football: Emmit Carpenter named a semifinalist for Groza Award

Redshirt sophomore kicker Emmit Carpenter has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, a national award presented annually to the best placekicker in college football. Carpenter is one of three Big Ten kickers named to the list of semifinalists, with Penn State’s Tyler Davis and Ohio State’s Tyler Durbin also on the list.

Through the first eight games of the season and in his first season as the starting placekicker, Carpenter is 13-of-15, and started the year with nine consecutive made field goals before missing a 36-yarder against Maryland. His 28-yard field goal in the closing seconds against Rutgers a couple weeks ago was the game-winner in a 34-32 victory for the Gophers. Carpenter’s 46-yard field goal against Penn State — one of four field goals made in that game — currently stands as the longest of his career.

Carpenter is currently fourth in the Big Ten and 23rd in the nation in field goal percentage (.867). He is also tied with Tyler Davis for first in the Big Ten and 17th in the nation in field goals per game (1.63). Carpenter is also first in the Big Ten and tied for 15th in the nation in field goals made (13). His five field goals from beyond the 40-yard line are the most in the Big Ten and are eighth most nationally.