Beavers might have edge in kicking game

Romaine has been one of Pac-12’s most reliable performers.

Part 9 of a collaboration by the AmericanStatesman and The Oregonian, breaking down position-by-position matchups in advance of the Alamo Bowl on Saturday.

Today’s matchup: Special teams.

Texas: Nick Jordan, a true freshman from Coppell, handled kicking duties early this season while Anthony Fera — a transfer from Penn State — recovered from a groin injury. Fera took over in the fifth game, but after his inconsistencies, the job went back to Jordan, who since has made five of his six attempts. Field goals have been an issue all season; the Longhorns have made only 58.8 percent of their attempts, which is last in the Big 12. Punter Alex King has been solid, however, and D.J. Monroe has been a dangerous return threat, scoring a touchdown against Ole Miss. Quandre Diggs had good moments in 2011, but he hasn’t been a factor in 2012.

Oregon State: Place kicker Trevor Romaine may be the Pac-12’s most consistent kicker, but he hasn’t been called upon in the clutch very much this season. Punter Keith Kostol averages 42.1 yards per punt. The Beavers love to fair catch; Poyer averages only 5.7 yards per punt return, though he can be dangerous if he gets room to operate. Romaine has connected on 88 percent of his field goals (14 of 16), best by far in the Pac-12.

Hookem.com’s Dave Behr says: Edge to Oregon State. While neither team is more dynamic than the other in the return game, the Beavers are much more reliable when it comes to field goals.

The Oregonian’s Lindsay Schnell says: Push. The Beavers’ special teams haven’t been as good as years past, but they haven’t needed to be with an improved offense and defense.

Friday: Coaches.

Texas’ Anthony Fera reacts to missing a 41-yard field goal try in a loss to West Virginia on Oct. 6. The kicking job has since returned to Nick Jordan, who mas made five of his last six tries.