Noah Burnette wasn’t even supposed to be UNC’s starting kicker this year.
The Tar Heels brought in Cincinnati transfer Ryan Coe to handle kicking duties. Burnette struggled last year on field goal attempts, making just 15 of 21 kicks, but was thrust into duty when Coe was discovered injured before the Minnesota game.
Burnette hasn’t only filled in admirably for Coe, but exceeded expectations at one of football’s most important positions. He’s gone 18-of-19 on field goals, nailing a season-long of 28 yards at Pitt, plus a perfect 38/38 mark on extra points.
In Carolina’s 49-47, double-overtime win over Duke, Burnette set the single-game scoring record for a kicker by making all six of his field goals, including a 43-yarder that sent the game to overtime, plus three extra points.
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A single player scoring 21 points – in one game – isn’t something common for many teams, as few have the same explosive offense UNC does.
Even if Coe does return from injury before Bowl Season, it’d be pretty difficult to take a red-hot Burnette out from his starting slot. He’s been a major reason why the Tar Heels have eight wins already – it wouldn’t be surprising if UNC wins a couple more games on Burnette’s leg.
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