Ayat proves he's just fine and kicking for UH
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Justin Ayat is doing just fine, thank you.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
A record-tying field goal and a perfect night as a kicker proved it last night as Ayat scored 14 points to help Hawai'i to a 44-16 victory over Tulsa at Aloha Stadium.
Hawai'i placekicker Justin Ayat leans into this 56-yard field-goal attempt that sailed through the uprights in the second quarter and tied a school record set by Jason Elam in 1992.
"You can say I'm 100 percent," Ayat said. "I actually started feeling good a couple weeks ago, but tonight I felt strong with everything."
It's been a while since Ayat could say that.
A season-long slump last year and an injury to his right groin at the start of this season were setbacks that he said are "all in the past."
Last night, he made all three of his field goal attempts and all five of his extra point attempts. The most impressive of his kicks was a 56-yard field goal in the first quarter that tied a Hawai'i school record set by Jason Elam in 1992.
"I was excited, but I was kind of surprised when they told me to go out there (for the field goal)," Ayat said. "I'm just thankful Coach Jones had the faith to put me in there."
Yds Player Opponent, Year 56 Justin Ayat vs. Tulsa, 2004 Ayat's best 56 vs. Tulsa, 2004
It's quite a change from a month ago, when UH head coach June Jones was hesitant to put in Ayat for any field goals. Jones said even some of the special teams players were caught off guard by the decision, forcing him to call a timeout to get the players on the field.
Longest UH field goals
56 Jason Elam vs. BYU, 1992
55 Justin Ayat at Tulsa, 2001
55 Jason Elam vs. Wyo., 1991
53 Jason Elam vs. Colo. St., 1989
53 Jason Elam vs. UTEP, 1989
55 at Tulsa, 2001
50 vs. UTEP, 2001
50 at Fresno State, 2002
"I know everybody was wondering why we went out there for the 56-yard field goal," Jones said. "Sometimes you just have to put a guy in a situation he doesn't expect."
Ayat said he knew his record-tying kick was good the moment his foot struck the ball.
"It's kind of like hitting a home run," he said. "When you hit it good, you know it's outta there."
It was the fourth field goal of more than 50 yards in Ayat's career. Elam — now kicking for the Denver Broncos — had five, and is the only player in UH history with more.
Elam is also the only player in UH history with more points than Ayat. With his 14 points last night, Ayat became the second player to surpass 300 points. He has 306; Elam scored a record 395 points from 1988-92.
Ayat could have more points if not for the slump that haunted him — and cost him the starting kicker's spot — late last season.
"This is my senior year; there's no holding back," said Ayat, a Kamehameha Schools graduate. "Last year is in the past. Right now, I feel like I can make any kick Coach Jones puts me in for."
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.
