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.

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.