MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia’s Mike Molina made only 2-of-6 field goals from 39 yards and beyond last season. Yet among the ones he did convert, a 50-yarder in near-freezing conditions against Baylor showed why he might evolve into more of a long-distance option this year.
“He’s got a strong leg,” contends Mountaineers special-teams coordinator Mark Scott. “But last year there were some fundamental things we had to smooth out. When he got between 40 and 45 yards he was trying to overkick, trying to do too much.”
Several Big 12 kickers struggled on longer attempts during 2016 — Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor and Kansas State were a combined 2-of-13 from 40 and out — which factors heavily into play-calling decisions as offenses approach the red zone.