Northwestern 2013 Football Preview: The Special Teams

Yesterday I had to talk about Northwestern's most disappointing unit; today I get to talk about perhaps its most exciting: special teams. Just a few years ago, the Cats' special teams were an embarrassment. Punts were regularly shanked, field goals were a difficulty, and muffed punts were almost the norm. Fortunately, that has changed in a big way, and the Wildcat special teams are some of the best in the nation.

Last Year

Venric Mark: I can count the players who were as electrifying as Mark in punt returns last year on one hand. Teams tended not to punt to him, as he was allowed only 1.2 returns per game, but when he did get a return, he was always a threat to make a big play. His 18.67 yards per return were second best in the country, while his two TDs were second most. He was the only player in the country to score at least two touchdowns with at least a 17 yard per return average. Unfortunately, his kickoff returns were far more mediocre, averaging only 19.81 yards per return (100th in the country), with no touchdowns. 

Jeff Budzien: Budzien was almost unreal last year in the kicking game. His 19 of 20 field goals gave him the 3rd best make percentage in the country. On top of this, he made all 50 extra points he took, one of only ten players to take at least 50 PATs and never miss. His range was somewhat limited, but within 50 yards, he was almost automatic. 

Steve Flaherty: Due in part to Budzien's limited range, Flaherty handled kickoffs last year. He was serviceable but not great, averaging 59.73 yards per kickoff, 94th in the country. His 19.28% touchback percentage was 100th. To his credit, he was good at keeping the ball in play, never kicking it out of bounds. 

Brandon Williams: Williams punted decently but inconsistently. He seemed equally likely to shank or bomb a punt in any given situation, eventually resulting in a 39.91 punt average. Most valuable about his performance was that other teams typically had very little success in the punt return game. Williams also served as Budzien's holder in field goal and PAT situations, and did so well. 

Pat Hickey: Hickey served as the long snapper. His value is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify, but he performed with no noticeable flaws.

This Year

All aforementioned players except Flaherty return. Venric Mark should keep doing what he's been doing. He's been a successful punt return man since his freshman year, so that is probably not going to change. However, his kickoff return stats have been steadily declining every year. Hopefully the 'Cats can reverse that trend.
Budzien has evidently improved his leg strength in the offseason and kept his accuracy. Hopefully that results in increased range for this season. Interestingly, there is no kickoff starter listed on the depth chart, so it is very likely Budzien will be taking on this role as well. The added leg strength would be useful there too.
Williams is again the punter. His stats have not changed much over his three years starting, so it is unlikely we'll see much difference this year.

Is this an improvement? 

I have to say no. I don't say this because I think the unit will be getting notably worse; in fact, I still think it will be one of the best special teams units in the country. Instead, I think the 'Cats were so good last year, simple probability indicates they probably won't be able to repeat that kind of year. Nonetheless, the unit, particularly Mark and Budzien, should still be spectacular.