Oklahoma K Zach Schmit was called into action and got some redemption against Auburn

AUBURN, AL — There is always a way back.

Oklahoma kicker Zach Schmit has had a rough couple of years.

In 2022 and 2023, the Oklahoma City product has made 27 of 39 field goals, including a slew of crucial kicks late in close games.

As a result, Brent Venables brought in Tyler Keltner came from Florida State to compete with Schmit, and Keltner won the starting job.

But life has many twists and turns.

Keltner had to miss OU’s trip to Auburn, putting Schmit back in the spotlight for the Sooners’ first SEC road game.

And Schmit was nails.

He was ejected for a 24-yard kick after an illegal move took a touchdown off the board late in the third quarter to cut the lead to 14-10.

Then Venables needed Schmit to kick one more time, a 39-yarder, to put the pressure back on Auburn.

Schmit came back again, extending OU’s lead to 27-21, forcing the Tigers to drive the entire length of the field.

Payton Thorne came back down to earth after Auburn’s turnover-prone quarterback had a trouble-free first three quarters, and the Sooners held on for a crucial road win to head into the bye week 4-1 this year and 1-1 in conference. competition.

“A great redemption story,” Venables said after the victory. “…We needed him every step of the way. He achieved that. We lead by three and now by six and Auburn has no timeouts. A field goal and everything changes in their game selection. Who knows?

“…But that didn’t matter. Zach was ready.

When he rose for his crucial kick, his own redemption story was the furthest thing from Schmit’s mind.

“It was another opportunity to step up and help the team,” Schmit said. “Like I told them in the locker room, I’m not worried about my own success in this match. But my main goal is to contribute to the success of the team.

“…For me, it’s about the redemption of this team, making sure we bounce back from the Tennessee loss and making sure we go into this bye week with a big lead, 4-1 and in good position. That’s what it’s about for me.

Regardless of how things play out on the field each Saturday, Venables is a firm believer in who Zach Schmit is.

This week, he was named a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy, awarded by college football’s Heisman.

Schmit is also a fighter.

Although he didn’t win the kicker job in fall camp, he battled with Keltner throughout the spring and summer to help the team.

“I was really grateful for the courage he showed,” Venables said. “He could easily have stopped, if he wasn’t on a stock market. He will experience incredible success in the business world. … Really, a nice moment to celebrate and a great example for all of us.

Schmit did not run away from his difficulties either.

He is aware of everything, the good and the bad, which only gives him a greater appreciation for Venables.

“Through the ups and downs, he was always by my side,” Schmit said. “He always tells us he’s in the gap with us. A lot of people in the media can see that and say it’s kind of a cliché, but to him, that’s what he means.

“He’s taken a lot of criticism because of me, but continuing to have faith in me and firing me this week shows me the type of man he is. Not even the head coach, but just the man and the father figure (he is) of this team.

The Sooners won by six points, two field goals.

Saturday’s heroes – Kip Lewis, Michael Hawkins Jr., JJ Hester and Schmit – dove into the locker room scenes before OU left Auburn to get back to work during the bye week.

“It was awesome,” Schmit said. “…Especially when you win on the road in a (hostile) environment, especially coming back from 21-10. I guess everyone wrote us off at that point, so to be able to do that shows what type of team we have in that locker room.

“It’s just one big family.”