<p>Billy Bennett was used to kicking a ball in motion.</p><p>Kicking a football? Hey, no big deal.</p><p>From floppy haired afterthought to NCAA record breaker, Bennett had made it look easy for No. 11 Georgia _ which is what he expected all along.</p><p>Bennett was a 10th-grader at Athens Academy when he decided to try a second sport, having already made his mark in soccer. His approach to the new endeavor pretty much epitomizes his laid-back view of life _ one that amuses teammates but serves him well in the cutthroat world of placekicking.</p><p>I didnt think it would be all that hard, Bennett said Sunday, facing the end of a brilliant college career. I told the coach I would like to come out there and give it a shot. I wound up having a lot of fun.</p><p>No kidding. Bennett heads into Thursdays Capital One Bowl against Purdue having made the most field goals (85) in NCAA history, with one final chance to extend the mark even farther out of reach for future challengers.</p><p>Not bad, considering he wasnt even mentioned in the media guide when he walked on at Georgia in 2000. By the third game of his freshman season, the job belonged to Bennett.</p><p>I knew I would be successful, he said, lingering on the field after practice. Now, to say I expected all this to happen, I was kind of blessed with shortsightedness. I never thought about beating this or breaking that. I never thought about beating Kevin Butlers records.</p><p>Butler was the gold standard at Georgia, the first pure kicker inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. But his numbers didnt hold up against Bennett, whose diminutive stature (5-8, 165 pounds) is belied by a powerful left leg.</p><p>Nineteen records have fallen to Bennett this season, including five of the NCAA variety. Sure, his numbers were bolstered a bit by the 12-game schedule and a 2002 rule change that began including bowl numbers in career statistics. But hes also the most accurate kicker in school history, making 85-of-108 for a .787 percentage. Butler stands one-thousandth of a point behind at .786 (77 of 98).</p><p>Billy has won so many games for us, its incredible, defensive end David Pollack said. End of the line, I definitely want Billy kicking.</p><p>Like all great kickers, Bennett has been at his best with the most on the line. From the fourth quarter on, hes made 18 of 20 field goal attempts (90 percent) _ including three game-winning kicks.</p><p>Hell also leave behind the image of a feisty, emotional player, demonstrating in the Southeastern Conference championship game that he was more than just some flaky kicker.</p><p>Bennett connected from 51 and 49 yards and did everything he could to fire up his teammates. He began warming up for the second half while the LSU band was still performing, a not-so-subtle motivational ploy. After making his second kick, he moved up and down the bench, screaming at the top of his lungs in hopes of rousing the Bulldogs.</p><p>It didnt work. LSU was simply too good, earning a trip to the Sugar Bowl with a 34-13 victory. But Bennett did all he could, redeeming himself from the worst performance of his career.</p><p>I say enough stupid junk in practice that my teammates dont take me too seriously, Bennett said. Game time is probably the only realm where I get respect. Ive shown them that I come to play.</p><p>Bennett probably felt more disappointment than anyone when Georgia (10-3) fell short in its bid for a second straight SEC championship. He wanted redemption _ both personal and for the team _ after the Bulldogs lost to LSU in September.</p><p>In that game, Bennett missed three field goals for the only time in his career. Georgia squandered a chance to take control in the first half and wound up losing 17-10 on a late touchdown pass.</p><p>Bennett bounced back from that low point with a flourish. Hes made 21 of his last 24 attempts, coming into the Capital One Bowl with a streak of 11 in a row.</p><p>It hasnt been a bunch of chip shots, either. Bennett has made a couple of kicks longer than 50 yards, plus seven more covering at least 40 yards during this stretch.</p><p>Hes really been great for our team, and not only when he kicks the ball, coach Mark Richt said. Were really going to miss him around this place.</p><p>While Bennett looks forward to some R&R _ he enjoys sitting around doing nothing, because we dont get a lot of time to do that _ theres certainly a desire to keep kicking in the NFL.</p><p>Man, to get paid to kick, that would be as good as it gets, he said longingly.</p><p>Despite his college success, Bennett is considered a bit of a longshot to play on Sundays. He wasnt known for long kickoffs at Georgia _ and they back it up five more yards in the NFL.</p><p>He just wants a chance.</p><p>All those records should be worth something, Bennett said with a smile. At least give me a tryout.</p>
