Game day is here, and sometimes it comes down to a kick … Miami Hurricanes PK Andy Borregales shares his take

Sometimes the biggest games come down to a single moment, and that can be a made or missed field goal. This afternoon when the Miami Hurricanes take on ranked Texas A&M in a huge early test, PK Andy Borregales should feel pretty confident if the result comes down to his foot.

Last year he made 17 of 20 kicks with a long of 49 yards, and he began the season on Friday night in the easy win over Miami (Ohio) with a perfect three-for-three kicking (32, 34 and 43 yards).

His kickoffs were also on point.

So it’s a case of so far, so good, with the Aggies coming to town for the big game.

“It’s the same every year (looking back at Game 1) – the excitement, excited to get the year going,” Borregales said. “The first kick is usually the most nerve-racking. But it’s kind of excitement, a lot of adrenaline going through my body.”

Borregales, of course, is the younger brother of Jose Borregales (who won the 2020 Lou Groza Award in his one year at Miami).

“Me and my brother are always in contact – if he sees something I don’t see, he’ll let me know,” Andy said.

Entering his third season at Miami, the younger Borregales is one of the ACC’s top kickers and a consistent kickoff guy (in 2021 he had 45.1 percent go for touchbacks; last year that number increased to 64.9 percent). Borregales says in practices he can kick field goals from 70 yards, and he’s comfortable up to 55 yards in games.

“Over the offseason I’ve been focusing on my kickoffs mainly, also gained weight which has obviously paid off,” Borregales said. “And getting more height on my field goals, more consistent day in and day out.”

Last year against the Aggies, Borregales made three field goals in the loss – from 22, 28 and 34 yards. But he also missed a 49-yarder and had a 36-yard attempt blocked.

“Last year I was off a little bit, but I’m coming in with the mindset it’s a new game, new year,” Borregales said.

* The holder this year is P Will Hutchinson. “I’ve worked with him last year also while also working with Lou (Hedley as the holder),” Borregales said. “He’s been doing great.”

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