Six Top Kickers in Modern AU History
by Van Plexico

Auburn has, more often than not in recent years, had a clutch kicker who could come through when the game was on the line. I rate these kickers in this order based not on statistics, but on my memories of how important they seemed at the time, and how I remember them coming trough in the clutch.

1. Jarret Holmes
There was never any doubt when this guy went out to kick. His first game on the Plains, against UAB, set the stage-- he was deadly accurate. The only kick I actually recall him missing in a critical situation was against UT in the SEC Title Game in '97, but that loss can hardly be blamed on him. His kick to beat Alabama that year is an all-time great.

2. Win Lyle
So dependable. Long range, too-- he hit a 55-yarder at Knoxville in 1987. His kicks won games, including icing the 1989 Bama game at Auburn (first time ever) and salvaging that Sugar Bowl tie with Syracuse in '87.

3. Al Del Greco
The Sugar Bowl after the '83 season was the Del Greco show. He scored every point for Auburn in the game, and won it at the last second, propelling the Tigers to the New York Times National Championship.

4. Scott Etheridge
One of the great special teams players on the 11-0 team in '93. His kick to beat Florida that year was a dagger in Steve Spurrier's heart, but one of several great kicks over his career.

5. Matt Hawkins
His critical miss against UGA in '94, leading to a tie and the end of the 20-game Bowden win streak, will forever be remembered, perhaps unfairly. He otherwise excelled during this tenure on the Plains.

6. Jim Von Wyl
If for nothing else, his kick to beat FSU in 1990 makes him a hero in the hearts of AU fans everywhere.