Mike Nugent converted 20 of 23 field goal attempts during the 2004 season (one was blocked) and led the nation in 50-yard field goals with five. In the win over Marshall, his 55-yarder as time ran out provided OSU with a 24-21 win. In a 22-14 victory at North Carolina State, he tied a school record with five field goals. He was also a perfect 27-of-27 in the point after touchdown (PAT) department and had 34 touchbacks on 55 kickoffs. The Lou Groza Award is the 30th major individual award won by an Ohio State player.

Elliot, a junior from Western Springs, Illinois is averaging 10.7 points per game this season, for Memphis’s high-rolling offense. He was crucial in Memphis’s exciting win over Bowling Green, hitting the eventual game-winner to put Memphis ahead 44-41. He played a large role in the Tiger’s upset of then number 10 Ole Miss, going a perfect 3 for 3 on field goal attempts. On the year, Elliot is 22 of 26 on all field goal attempts giving him an 84.6% conversion rate. He added 53 PATs for a total of 119 points.