Matt Ruffolo named Lou Groza Award Star of the Week

An underrated aspect of Kentucky’s 37-13 win over Miami (OH) on Saturday? Kicker Matt Ruffolo’s standout performance, one that included an impressive 13 total points scored for the Wildcats.

Now, the graduate student is being honored for his big game, earning Lou Groza Award Star of the Week honors. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission presented by the Orange Bowl announced the news Wednesday.

Ruffolo made all three field goal attempts and all four extra points, including a 50-yard make to close out the third quarter to make it a three-score game. He also chipped in kicks from 34 and 25 yards, with the latter giving Kentucky the lead for good to end the first half.

He now has made eight straight field goal attempts dating to last season with the school record of 11 in his sights.

The native of Centerville, Ohio continues to move up multiple charts at UK, including ascending to ninth on the school’s career scoring list with 185 points. He is second on the career field goal percentage at .829, trailing only Joe Mansour (.857).

The award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou “The Toe” Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.

Kentucky opens Southeastern Conference play Saturday, Sept. 10 when it travels to the Swamp to face Florida. Game time is 7 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN.