Duncan named finalist for Lou Groza Award

The recognition keeps pouring in for Iowa’s record-breaking kicker.

Iowa+kicker+Keith+Duncan+makes+a+practice+kick+during+a+football+game+between+Iowa+and+Iowa+State+at+Jack+Trice+Stadium+in+Ames+on+Saturday%2C+September+14%2C+2019.+The+Hawkeyes+retained+the+Cy-Hawk+Trophy+for+the+fifth+consecutive+year%2C+downing+the+Cyclones%2C+18-17.+%28Shivansh+Ahuja%2FThe+Daily+Iowan%29

Shivansh Ahuja

Iowa kicker Keith Duncan makes a practice kick during a football game between Iowa and Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday, September 14, 2019. The Hawkeyes retained the Cy-Hawk Trophy for the fifth consecutive year, downing the Cyclones, 18-17. (Shivansh Ahuja/The Daily Iowan)

Robert Read, Assistant Sports Editor

Iowa kicker Keith Duncan has been named one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced on Monday.

Georgia’s Rodrigo Blankenship and Washington State’s Blake Mazza are the other two finalists.

Duncan is 27-of-32 on field goal attempts this season, the most made kicks in the nation. He is 12-of-16 on field goals of 40 yards or more, and a perfect 22-of-22 on PATs. Duncan’s 36 career made field goals are the sixth-most all-time in program history.

In Iowa’s win over Illinois, the Widddington, North Carolina, native made four field goals, breaking the Big Ten single-season record.

The four made field goals tied a career high after he previously connected on four kicks earlier this season against Iowa State and Purdue. After the Purdue game, Duncan was recognized by the Lou Groza Award.

Iowa’s Nate Kaeding won the award in 2002 and was a finalist in 2003.

The winner of the award will be announced live on ESPN at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show Thursday, Dec. 12.