UVa At Wyoming Preview: Special Teams

Cedric Peerman could make an impact on kick returns in Week 1.

When it comes to special teams, a lot of things have changed since last season’s meeting between Virginia and Wyoming. The kickoff line has moved back five yards. The Cowboys’ Aric Goodman has left the program and the school. UW’s senior John Wendling is also gone. UVa’s Chris Gould no longer handles the bulk of the punting duties.

Despite all of the changes, however, special teams should play a key role for the second straight season in this match-up.

Let’s start with the history report. With two of the nation’s top 20 defenses slugging it out in Scott Stadium last season, there were a ton of critical special teams plays in Virginia’s 13-12 overtime win. First and most obvious: Wyoming Aric Goodman missed the tying extra point in overtime and UVa escaped with the one-point win. Goodman has since left the school after Jake Scott climbed to the top of the depth chart. The Cavaliers had their own kicking issues. Chris Gould missed two field goals in the game, including one in the final 5 minutes of regulation.

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