WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – University of Notre Dame freshman placekicker Nick Tausch was one of 20 players named a semifinalist for the 2009 Lou Groza Award, presented annually to college football’s top placekicker, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced Monday.

Michigan State senior Brett Swenson is also on the list.

Tausch has converted 14 of 17 field goal attempts this year and 27 of 30 extra points totaling 69 points, second most for the Irish. After missing his first collegiate kick, Tausch made a school record 14 straight field goal attempts before having his streak snapped versus Navy. He is the only freshman named a semifinalist.

The 14 made field goals is tied for fifth in most field goals made in a Notre Dame season. Tausch converted all five field goal attempts versus Washington setting a school record for most field goals made in a game without a missed attempt.

Swenson is 20 of 23 in field goals with a long of 45. He is 27 of 28 in extra points and has scored 69 points this season.

Swenson set a new record for extra points on Saturday against Western Michigan and now has kicked 152 in his career.

A vote by all Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors along with national, regional and local football writers will determine the three finalists. The finalists will be honored at the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on Dec. 8 in West Palm Beach.

The winner will be announced live at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10.