CORAL GABLES — Miami Hurricanes kicker Carter Davis had the worst game of his career at the worst possible time.
The veteran kicker missed three of his four field goal tries against Texas A&M on Saturday, which cost Miami nine points. Fortunately for Davis and the Hurricanes, his three points and Malachi Toney’s winning touchdown were enough to secure Miami’s win over the Aggies.
Despite his struggles, UM coach Mario Cristobal said Davis will remain the starting kicker.
“I don’t see a reason to change,” Cristobal said.
Cristobal attributed Davis’ struggles to the high winds that were blowing around Kyle Field during the game. Davis’ first kick clearly got caught by the wind and pushed to the side of the upright. Davis’ second miss went well wide, and his third miss hit off an upright. Miami will not have that issue in the Cotton Bowl at the indoor AT&T Stadium.
“I know that was not the best outing,” Cristobal said. “We were, I believe, one of four. I think for all of us that were there at the game know that those conditions were extremely difficult to not only kick but also throw the ball. And everything that we’ve seen in practice and the conditions in the place we’re going to play are more conducive to having the type of success that he has had.”
Entering Saturday’s playoff game, Davis had performed well. The FAU transfer, who beat out Texas transfer Bert Auburn for the starting role before the season, had made 14 of 16 attempts — including the game-winner in the crucial season-opening win over Notre Dame.
“We do trust him,” Cristobal said. “We trust the operation and we will go forward with him.”
