Matt Ammendola's Ready for Lubbock Redemption
STILLWATER -- There's a reason that coaches try to convince football players, especially kicks that they need to have a short memory. Football is a great sport that can be very cruel to even the best players on the field, especially when you're on the road in a hostile environment. Just ask Matt Ammendola.
Ammendola had four field goal opportunities the last time the Pokes were in Lubbock and he made only two of them. That marked the first game in which Ammendola was kicking on the road against a conference opponent.
"It's like anything else," said Ammendola on facing adversity. "You have to battle through adversity and bounce back. It happens with everyone in some sort of way, whether it's school or sports. That was one of the games that I saw where I really needed to work on myself and focus on what I needed to do to get better; and I feel like I have.
Following that game, Ammendola was really solid as he missed only two field goals the rest of the year. 2018 was a little different as he missed another field goal against Tech, two against Texas and Baylor and one against Oklahoma.
But since the Bedlam game last season, Ammendola has been red-hot as he's 13-of-13 on field goals and 38-of-38 on extra points.
"We have a really smooth operation," said Ammendola. "I have two guys in Matt Hembrough and Jake McClure who I trust and can focus with; and then a great offensive line that gives me a great line of defense when I kick. Props off to them. I couldn't have all my field goals and made all of them without the help of all those guys."
And boy have those field goals and extra points come in handy this season.
"He's played well," said coach Gundy. "It kind of eases the pain a little bit. We've been poor from the 15-yard line in."
The Pokes struggled against both Texas and Kansas State from inside the red zone as they've had to rely on Ammendola and he's come in clutch. The one benefit, and I know Matt Ammendola won't want to hear this, but Texas Tech ranked No. 123 in the country in red zone defense. So, maybe the Pokes won't have to use Ammendola on anything other than extra points this Saturday.
