In the 1996 North Carolina State Media Guide, Marc Primanti was quoted as saying, “My job is to make every kick, and I want to do just that.” Primanti did exactly that, making all 20 field goals and 24 extra points that he attempted. This resulted in Primanti being a rather easy choice to receive the Lou Groza Award. Primanti made nine field goals longer than 40 yards, including a 48-yarder against Alabama that was a season-long. He also set an ACC record by making 27 consecutive field goals, stretching back to 1995. After walking onto the Wolfpack team and not playing a down during his first three years in the program, he more than made up for lost time.

Alexis Serna was an impressive 23 of 28 in field goals for the season. That combined with his perfect 32 of 32 in extra point attempts made him the NCAA Div-1A kicking leader in points with 101 on the season. Highlights of Serna’s season included leading Oregon State to an 18-10 victory over Washington by converting on six field goals, in windy and rainy conditions. Serna also kicked a game winning field goal with 1:03 remaining the in the game to defeat Boise State, 30-27. By seasons end Serna was the NCAA active career leader in field goal percentage at 83.3.

Carlson, a senior from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the first player to ever be voted a finalist for the Groza three times. With 19 field goals this year, his career total stands at 88, tied for the second-most ever in a collegiate career. His 108 points, tied for third-most among FBS kickers this season, give him 460 for his career, the scoring record not only at Auburn but in SEC history. He is tied for 2^nd in FBS this season with 4 field goals from over 50 yards, a total he has reached in each of the last three years. He has not missed an extra point in his career, an SEC record 191 straight attempts.