Keeping It Heel
Fansided

Lessons Learned from the UNC football program's victory over Minnesota

It's North Carolina in reverse, a struggling offense paired with a competent defense.

By Michael McKay

Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Amare Campbell (17) forces a fumble on Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Amare Campbell (17) forces a fumble on Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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Special teams is not a reliability

Noah Burnette
Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels place kicker Noah Burnette (98) kicks a field goal against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Noah Burnette got a KIH helmet sticker for strapping the Tar Heels across his back, but let me take a moment to heap some more long-term praise on him.

Burnette is a demotion survivor. Make no mistake, Mack Brown saw kicker as a position needing an upgrade and replaced him with Ryan Coe. When Coe couldn't cut it, Burnette took back his spot and never lost it again. In today's transfer portal environment, how rare is it for a player to go through that full life cycle of demotion, promotion, and success?

Delivering high-pressure kicks on the road when North Carolina needed the points to stay in reach and then taking the lead twice will be needed when the Tar Heels get into the meat of their ACC schedule.

If North Carolina is down by two with the clock winding down, do you feel comfortable with Noah Burnette taking the kick?

After last night, you should.

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