A number of Australians made useful contributions across the US college game this weekend, even if none quite reached standalone-story territory.
Bailey Ettridge was the statistical standout among the group. Oregon’s Australian punter averaged 52.6 yards on five punts against Oklahoma State, with a long of 67. Three travelled more than 50 yards and one landed inside the 20. Lachie Pozzobon was on the other side for Oklahoma State, punting three times for 133 yards at a 44.3-yard average.
At USF, Luke Goater quietly had another good day. The Melbourne punter put three of his four punts inside the 20 against Army, averaged 42 yards and had no touchbacks. That followed a 47.2-yard average with two inside the 20 the previous week.
Rhys Dakin also made the most of limited work for Eastern Michigan. He punted only twice against Michigan State, but averaged 50.5 yards, hit a 59-yarder and put one inside the 20.
Further down the divisions, Mitchell Lake averaged 52 yards on three punts for UNC Pembroke with a 67-yard long, while Patrick Cleary had six punts for Stony Brook and put two inside the 20.
Iowa’s Boston Everitt had a strong field-position game, putting four of his six punts inside the 20. Hamish Adams averaged 44 yards on five punts for Sacramento State with two inside the 20 and no touchbacks.
James Madison’s Patrick Rea has also started well, averaging 47.2 yards across his first five punts of the season, while Tiffin’s Alex Schattin is averaging 46.5 through his opening six punts.
Monroe’s Cormack Price has been busy early, with 14 punts through three games and a 62-yard long. Houston Christian’s Julian Maceri has five punts at 45.2 yards per kick, with three inside the 20.
There is some useful non-punter activity too. Sydney defensive lineman Sani Tuala has worked into Idaho State’s rotation, while Xavier Fauonuku and Carsen Patu are both seeing action at Dodge City Community College. Brisbane offensive lineman Frankie Tinilau has appeared in James Madison’s opening games.
The point of this weekly wrap is not to list every Australian who happens to be rostered. It is to collect the players who actually got on the field and did something worth noting.