DII Punter's Stunning 80-Yard Kick Is Contender for College Football Play of the Year

Tom Dierberger | Sep 5, 2024

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines punter Blake Doud made a name for himself Thursday night.

While the 2024 NFL season opened in Kansas City, the Division II Orediggers also kicked off their season against West Texas A&M at Marv Kay Stadium. Doud, a first-team Division II All-American last year, started his season by pinning a punt at the 11-yard line. His next kick was even better.

Late in the third quarter with Colorado School of Mines backed up on its own 19-yard line, Doud pounded the football with a powerful right-footed kick. It didn't hit the turf until it reached the other 20-yard line—and then took an Orediggers bounce to West Texas A&M's 1-yard line.

That's an 80-yard punt in the book, folks.

I didn't think this Colorado School of Mines punt would ever come down (via @tole_cover) pic.twitter.com/Z4KJ8ubKtv

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 6, 2024

Football fans all over were astounded:

This is the best punt of all time

— ztrain12🤠🔥💯 (@ztrain12) September 6, 2024

https://t.co/GkhvVCnep5 pic.twitter.com/bGTCbZHSzG

— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) September 6, 2024

Iowa getting a NIL package together. https://t.co/0aABPrEE6x pic.twitter.com/NaATwDhH1Z

— matt (@MattFG53) September 6, 2024

We’ve got 80-yard punts at the Colorado School of Mines and they’re trying to tell you this isn’t the greatest country in the world. https://t.co/6WBTRrhtm2

— Alec Bojalad (@alecbojalad) September 6, 2024

Doud, a redshirt junior, just might have a future punting on Sundays.