Unexpected Contenders Emerge in Lou Groza Award Semifinals: Who Will Shock the Nation?

When a kicker starts rewriting the record books, you better take note. Tate Sandell, Oklahoma’s sharpshooting foot, has just joined the elite ranks alongside teammate Eli Bowen, snagging national recognition mere days after the Sooners pulled off a stunning win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Sandell’s feat — named as one of just 20 semifinalists for the prestigious Lou Groza Award, handed to college football’s top placekicker — is no fluke. With an almost surgical precision, he’s nailed 21 field goals out of 22 attempts, including a flawless 7-for-7 from 50-plus yards, smashing school records and flirting with SEC history. If you’re thinking this guy could be the final piece in Oklahoma’s championship puzzle, you’re not alone; the breadcrumbs all point to a finalist spot. It’s a thrilling time to be a Sooners fan — and a hard one to overlook if you’re tracking the pulse of college football. LEARN MORE

Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell joined teammate Eli Bowen with award honors Tuesday, days after the Sooners beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Shortly after Bowen was named the National Defensive Back of the Week and the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week, Sandell was named one of 20 national semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the best placekicker in college football.

He stands a good shot at making it as a finalist, too, with the season he’s putting together.

Sandell has made 21 of 22 field goal attempts, including 21 in a row, the longest streak in school history and the second-longest in SEC history. He’s also 7-of-7 on field goals from 50 yards or more and has three more field goals from that range than other kicker in the country.

Sandell, who is also perfect on all his point-after attempts this season, is one of just two kickers in FBS football since 1995 to make seven field goals from 50-plus yards without a miss. His four makes from 55 yards or greater is a school record and he’s one of only two FBS kickers in the last 30 seasons with four such from that distance.

Finalists for the award will be announced Tuesday and the winner will be selected Dec. 12 during the College Football Awards Show.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell named semifinalist for Lou Groza Award