Dominic Zvada's leg gives the Michigan Wolverines' offense another option

September 28, 2024

Ann Arbor — Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada, who transferred from Arkansas State before this season, has been a consistently positive player for the Wolverines.

Zvada is 7 of 7 on field goal attempts, including shots from 53 and 35 yards in Michigan's 27-24 win over Minnesota on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. Zvada is 4 of 4 on shots from 50 yards or more. He is the first Michigan kicker to reach four from 50 yards or more in a season.

“He was a big help to us,” receiver Tyler Morris said after the win. “Offensively, we understand that you don't have to get very close to the end zone to score points. If there are situations where we just need points, it doesn't have to be a touchdown, but we have to extend the lead somehow. We understand that he will help us and he is confident. We all definitely have confidence in him.”

Zvada's 53-yarder gave Michigan a 24-3 lead in the third quarter, and his 35-yarder gave the Wolverines a two-point lead at 27-17 with 4:33 to play.

“This guy, he’s a monster,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “Once we get past 50, it feels like we’re within reach. He said, “I'm fine, I'm fine.” I'm trying to score a touchdown, he said, “I'm fine, just let you know, I'm fine.” So he's great. He did this throughout camp. It feels like a kicking game now. You see on TV, all these kickers kicking 60-yarders like it's nothing. Dom was great, so I feel really confident with him.”

Defensive tackle Mason Graham said he sees Zvada regularly reach 50, 60 yards in practice.

“Just casually,” Graham said. “It’s cool to rely on a guy like Jake Moody (the 2021 Lou Groza winner). Compare him to him somehow. I just know that if he does it, we will get those three points.”

Time to hit the streets

Michigan has played its first five games at Michigan Stadium and finally leaves Ann Arbor to play at Washington on Saturday.

“I like playing away, especially in stadiums I've never been to before,” said running back Kalel Mullings. “That’s always cool. As far as the guys on the team are concerned, we feel ready. We’re excited to take this road trip and go out and get a win.”

The Michigan players said they like going away because it gives them a different determination.

“It's an opportunity for us to come together as a team, play somewhere else, go on a trip and be in an environment where everyone is against us,” Morris said. “I think this is fun. I like playing away games. I think we’ll look forward to it.”

Michigan has the following week off before traveling to Illinois. The Wolverines also have road games against Indiana and Ohio State.

“We’re always ready,” Graham said. “The coaches are preparing us for that. We will also have big away games towards the end of the season, especially at Shoe (Ohio Stadium). I'm just preparing for these big games. Personally, I always like to play away, in a different environment, in a different place to play. All the coaches, all the boys are ready for this.”

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Zeke Berry forced and recovered a fumble by Minnesota receiver Daniel Jackson in the second quarter.

“Before we went out there in defense I thought it was raining, the ball was a bit slippery and when I saw Jyaire (Hill) holding it up I went straight after him. The second guy came in and kind of ripped it out, it felt a little loose and I ripped it out one last time and got the ball out.”

Thanks to this turnover, Michigan started at the Minnesota 16-yard line and three plays later Mullings scored to make it 14-0.

Later in the quarter, Hill intercepted Max Brosmer with 3:48 left in the first half.

“He ran the fade, I just guarded him. “I didn’t think he was going to throw it until I saw the wide receiver’s eyes get big,” said Hill, who carried the intercepted ball in the postgame press conference. “I turned around and I ended up catching the ball and letting it land on the sideline.”

Injury update

Cornerback Will Johnson and edge rusher Josaiah Stewart were listed as questionable for the Minnesota game but did not play.

“Those two guys were decisions during the game,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “We both had pregame (warmups) to see (and) they are working on some things. It just felt like it wasn’t the right time to put them out there.”

Left tackle Myles Hinton left the game with a limp and was replaced by Jeff Persi, and center Dom Giudice also appeared to be limping but continued to play.

“Just working on a few little things,” Moore said of Hinton and Giudice. “These two guys are really tough guys and will play through anything. Both guys will be good.”

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Eclipsenb2024

Dominic Zvada's leg gives the Michigan Wolverines' offense another option

Time to hit the streets

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Injury update

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Kathleen William

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Time to hit the streets

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Injury update

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About The Author

Kathleen William

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