University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt's Alex Kessman Named ACC Specialist of the Week
10/29/2018 1:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt sophomore placekicker Alex Kessman has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference's Specialist of the Week for his performance in the Panthers' 54-45 victory over Duke this past Saturday.
Kessman now owns three of the four longest field goals in Heinz Field history—pro or college. His 55-yarder against Syracuse earlier this year set the Heinz record, while his two 54-yarders are tied for the second longest at the venue. (The longest NFL field goal at Heinz is 53 yards by the Steelers' Chris Boswell and Dallas Cowboys' Dan Bailey.)
On a national scale, Kessman has kicked three of the longest field goals in college football this season. His 55-yarder ranks second (tied), while his two 54-yard field goals rank fifth (tied).
Kessman (Clarkston, Mich./ Clarkston) currently leads the Panthers in scoring with 46 points on 7-of-10 field goals and 25-of-26 PATs.
The Panthers (4-4, 3-1 ACC) will play at No. 23/22 Virginia (6-2, 4-1) this Friday in a game that will help determine first place in the Coastal Division. It will be nationally televised by ESPN2 and kick off at 7:30 p.m.
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Kessman additionally was named one of three "Stars of the Week" by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Lou Groza Award, which is annually presented to the nation's top placekicker.
Kicking on a sloppy surface at Heinz Field, Kessman was perfect on each of his eight placements (3-of-3 field goals and 5-of-5 PATs) and matched his career high with 14 points. His field goals covered 27, 54 and 48 yards, the latter kick tying the game at 45 with 2:33 remaining.
Kessman now owns three of the four longest field goals in Heinz Field history—pro or college. His 55-yarder against Syracuse earlier this year set the Heinz record, while his two 54-yarders are tied for the second longest at the venue. (The longest NFL field goal at Heinz is 53 yards by the Steelers' Chris Boswell and Dallas Cowboys' Dan Bailey.)
On a national scale, Kessman has kicked three of the longest field goals in college football this season. His 55-yarder ranks second (tied), while his two 54-yard field goals rank fifth (tied).
Kessman (Clarkston, Mich./ Clarkston) currently leads the Panthers in scoring with 46 points on 7-of-10 field goals and 25-of-26 PATs.
The Panthers (4-4, 3-1 ACC) will play at No. 23/22 Virginia (6-2, 4-1) this Friday in a game that will help determine first place in the Coastal Division. It will be nationally televised by ESPN2 and kick off at 7:30 p.m.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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