Kendric Burney was a no brainer. Then again so was Casey Barth who has kicked eight FG in the past two weeks. Both were recognized this week by the ACC.
DEFENSIVE BACK – Kendric Burney, North Carolina, CB, Jr., 5-9, 190, Jacksonville, N.C. (Southwest Onslow)
Junior cornerback Kendric Burney intercepted three passes and broke a 29-year old ACC single-game record with 170 interception return yards, including a 77-yard touchdown, in North Carolina’s 33-24 win over No. 12 Miami. Burney’s 170 yards also broke the school-record for interception return yards in a season and upped his career mark to 317, also a new school record. The junior returned his second interception of the game for a 77-yard touchdown, his second career interception return for a score. The 77-yard return is the seventh-longest in school history, while the touchdown tied him with six former Tar Heels who had two career interceptions returned for touchdowns, another school record. Burney returned his third interception of the day 46 yards before losing a fumble to teammate Melvin Williams, who ran the remaining 44 yards for the touchdown.SPECIALIST – Casey Barth, North Carolina, PK, So., 5-11, 180, Wilmington, N.C. (Hoggard)
North Carolina junior placekicker Casey Barth extended his streak of made field goals to 13 with boots of 22, 42, 32, and 33 yards against Miami. His 42-yarder in the second quarter matched a career-long and extended the Tar Heels’ lead to six points. Barth has connected on eight field goal attempts in the last two weeks.
It should be noted that as a sophomore, Casey Barth is having a better season than his brother Connor Barth did at the same point and is slightly better at a similar point in their respective careers.
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Connor had a stronger leg as witnessed by his ability to hit longer fields goals. As a result, Connor also attempted a few more FGs of the 45-plus variety than Casey has which hurt his percentages a tad. Casey does not have the same kind of leg power which is why UNC does not come up with many touchbacks on kickoffs. Still, Casey is having an outstanding season having nailed 13 straight FGs and is very reliable after a shaky start to the season.
Kendric Burney was flat our ridiculous on Saturday. And in case you didn't see it, here is one the more insane interception returns you will ever see:
Burney is approaching Trimane Goddard territory for clutch interceptions in the face of impending doom from the opposing offense.