Michigan football kicker Jake Moody set a program record in the Wolverines' 31-20 win over Indiana on Saturday night.
The freshman from Northville made six field goals, the most ever in one game.
That broke the previous record of five, shared by four players including junior kicker Quinn Nordin, the team's starting kicker over the past two seasons — and the player who Moody stepped in for against Indiana.
Moody said after the game he found out he would be starting over Nordin, who has hit 11 of 16 attempts this season, before the team went out onto the field Saturday.
According to Moody, Nordin "wasn't feeling too well" and was a game-time decision. In the end, it was decided Moody would kick.
Moody made attempts from 32, 30, 31, 33, 23 and 29 yards. The frequency — and distance — of Moody's attempts were the result of Michigan's struggles in the red zone. His 29-yard field goal with 2:37 left in the fourth quarter gave him sole possession of the team record — and also gave the Wolverines a two-possession lead and the final margin of victory.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh praised Moody's demeanor after the game, calling him a "cool customer" who didn't exhibit any changes in facial expression or body language.
"Set a record at a program that's as good as Michigan, been around for 139 years playing football, that's a huge accomplishment," Harbaugh said. "As a true freshman, he was great.
"His demeanor didn't change at all. Didn't look like he needed a pep talk or a Snickers bar or anything. Just get warmed up and get out there, didn't hesitate to give him a chance to do it and just kept coming through."
After the game, Moody shared the podium with junior quarterback Shea Patterson — who called the kicker a "sniper" — and junior defensive end Rashan Gary, earning praise from his teammates.
It was the first time all season a kicker or punter has been on the podium after a game — a testament to Moody's record-breaking performance.
"Man, that's unbelievable," said redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour. "Six field goals? That's tough. Good job to him, that's 18 points on the board for us."
"It's crazy," said junior safety Josh Metellus. "Everybody, when their number's called, they've got to show up. He did a great job. He's still kicking amazing kickoffs and he had to kick field goals especially in a game like this when we kept getting stopped on third down and had to kick field goals."
Moody was humble after the game, crediting his offense for putting him in position to break the record. And he was thankful for his snapper, Cameron Cheeseman, and his holder, junior punter Will Hart.
"It was an incredible experience," Moody said. "The snaps and the holds by Cameron Cheeseman and Will Hart, they made it really easy for me to just go out there and do my job."
Despite his performance, it's too early to assume Moody will have the same role next Saturday. Harbaugh was asked if Moody or Nordin would start against Ohio State.
"We'll see this week," he said.
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Contact Orion Sang: osang@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @orion_sang.