AUGUSTA, Ga. — Everyone wants to make a good impression in front of the new head coach in his first game. When that coach is a former punter, that means the punter really wants to have a good game.
Mission accomplished.
Tyson Dyer had a terrific season opening game for UNM, and his solid evening earned him National Punter of the Week as announced by the Ray Guy Award. On Monday he was named one of Ray’s 4 for the week ending October 31.
Dyer punted six times for UNM, averaging 44.8 yards and allowing just one return for zero yards. He pinned San José State inside the 20 five times and inside the 10 twice. Last season Dyer led the nation in punter pin percentage (the percentage of punts inside the 20) at 59%. He was also a Ray Guy Award semifinalist last season. Earning the honor was tricky given UNM’s situation leading up to the game. Having to practice in UNM’s indoor facility, Dyer couldn’t let loose on punts because the indoor facility’s roof apex is too low, and his punts hit it, so he was forced to either punt outside by himself, or punt to a returner, holding back on his power.
New Mexico and Dyer take the field again on Saturday at 9 p.m. Mountain Time at Hawai’i.