The following is courtesy of Notre Dame Athletics:
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - University of Notre Dame freshman placekicker Nick
Tausch was one of 20 players named a semifinalist for the 2009 Lou Groza
Award, presented annually to college football's top placekicker, the Palm
Beach County Sports Commission announced Monday.
Tausch has converted 14 of 17 field goal attempts this year and 27 of 30
extra points totaling 69 points, second most for the Irish. After missing
his first collegiate kick, Tausch made a school record 14 straight field
goal attempts before having his streak snapped versus Navy. He is the only
freshman named a semifinalist.
The 14 made field goals is tied for fifth in most field goals made in a
Notre Dame season. Tausch converted all five field goal attempts versus
Washington setting a school record for most field goals made in a game
without a missed attempt.
A vote by all Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information
directors along with national, regional and local football writers will
determine the three finalists. The finalists will be honored at the Lou
Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on Dec. 8 in West Palm Beach,
Fla. The winner will be announced live at the Home Depot ESPNU College
Football Awards Show on Dec. 10.