Ann Arbor — It isn't exactly an Australian invasion into the American college football world, but as far as kicking goes, the Aussies are establishing a presence.
Michigan has its own in graduate-transfer Blake O'Neill, and the Wolverines have faced four this season. And because their skill is so well-honed, considering punting is to Australian rules football what passing is to American football, they make life difficult for returners.
"I'm really pleased with the punt return," Michigan special teams director John Baxter said Wednesday. "The amazing thing is we've had 51 reps in five games — obviously it's because we've played amazing defense — but if you really look at what that unit has done, there have been three returnable balls kicked to us out of 51.