If you have a question about either, ask Josh Lider, the senior Division II transfer who nabbed the impossible-to-undervalue kickoff job while sporting a strong beard. I can’t help but think these two things are connected.

“I tell them it keeps my face warm,” said Lider, who admitted it was far more useful on campus in Bellingham, Wash., where the annual average high temperature is just 57 degrees. “Right now, I don’t feel like I need one. The weather is very different.”

It’s still useful, particularly against the irritation of a sweat-soaked helmet rubbing against smooth-shaven skin. There’s also a personal comfort, too.

He’s grown beards in the past and kicked pretty well – 10-for-15 on field goals last season, 19-for-29 in his career; 39.1 yards per punt last season with 10 downed inside the 10-yard line.

“Plus,” he said, “how many kickers do you see out there with a beard? I don’t think there are too many.”