Practice might be a head coach's best measuring stick for identifying game starters because, after all, practice makes perfect.
But in the unique case of Duke place-kicker Joe Surgan, practice has become a tormenting, alternate universe.
"He made every kick last week in practice," Duke head coach Ted Roof said. "I use practice as an indicator, and I didn't see that coming."
For those who do not attend the Blue Devils' practices, however, Surgan's 1-for-4 field goal performance in Duke's 24-13 loss to Virginia last weekend seemed fairly typical. Since the beginning of last season, the junior has converted only four of his 14 field goals and nine of his 12 extra-point attempts.
To put things in perspective, the 11 other ACC teams have combined to convert 25-of-29 field goals this season-just one more miss despite seven times as many attempts.
But while Duke fans may have grown accustomed to the current version of Surgan, the coaching staff hopes to discover the old Joe when the Blue Devils (0-2) travel to Ryan Field to take on Northwestern (2-0) at 8 p.m. Saturday night in Evanston, Ill.
In high school, Surgan took Florida 5A football by storm. While receiving all-state selections in his final two seasons, Surgan successfully converted 23-of-28 field goals and 64-of-65 extra points. Ranked the fourth-best kicker in the nation by scout.com, he was offered scholarships to several major programs, including the defending national champion Florida Gators.
Instead, Surgan chose Duke. Ever since then, despite converting 6-of-8 field goals in his freshman season, it seems he has lost something.
"I don't know what it is," Roof said. "I don't know what it is. We've gone around and around-investigating things, talking to people. He's gone to [kicking camps]. But the bottom line is when you have an opportunity, you've got to make good. That's his job. That's his responsibility."
It must be difficult for the Blue Devils to watch the fluctuating performance of their talented teammate, who is clearly caught in a rut of some kind.
Sunday through Friday, Surgan executes and produces like any blue chip recruit should. But on Saturdays, Roof said his kicker fails to square his hips and consistently pushes his attempts wide right, and the Blue Devils are forced to watch their teammate perform anomalously.
"In practice, Joe is clearly the best kicker," Roof said. "As a coach, the practice field is an indicator. But when you step on the field, you've got to perform. Nothing is set in stone, I'll put it that way."
In response to Surgan's in-game issues, Roof gave backup place-kicker Greg Meyers more reps in practice this week in preparation for Northwestern. Surgan was not available for comment.
As Duke heads to Evanston, Ill. this weekend to take on the Wildcats, the kicking game will be as crucial as ever. Although special teams are sometimes overlooked, several of Duke's 22-straight losses may have gone the other way if only for some more success converting field goals. Perhaps the most glaring example was last year's one-point loss at eventual ACC champion Wake Forest, when Surgan had a 28-yard field goal blocked in the final seconds.
More recently, Duke's close loss to Virginia last week showcased again the importance of a dependable placekicker. If Surgan had converted all four of his field goals, which averaged 33 yards, the Blue Devils would have trailed by just two points in the game's final seven minutes.
Instead, Duke was forced to score at least two touchdowns in the face of an 11-point deficit, ultimately ending its chance for victory.
"If we just kick a couple field goals, then all of a sudden it's a different deal," Roof said. "That's very disappointing.... He's accountable to his team for that, so he's got to do it."
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