Notre Dame’s convincing 28-7 victory over Boise State on Saturday was not without complications. Just before kickoff, head coach Marcus Freeman learned he would be without his starting kicker, redshirt senior Noah Burnette.
The absence quietly reshaped Notre Dame’s offensive decisions and revealed a growing concern that could linger into next week’s matchup against NC State.
After the game, Freeman admitted that Burnette’s injury, first suffered two weeks ago, had worsened in the lead-up to the contest. While the Fighting Irish defense and run game carried the team, the uncertainty around special teams loomed large.
“He had the injury two weeks ago,” Freeman said. “He missed the game, came back last week, was good enough to kick from a certain distance. This week, he kicked on Tuesday, was really sore, and was questionable. He wanted to go try in pregame, and it was a no-go.”
Freeman weighs risk as kicking concerns shape game plan
With Burnette sidelined, Notre Dame turned to freshman Erik Schmidt, who had his first extra-point attempt blocked. Junior Marcello Diomede then stepped in and converted the remaining extra points without issue.
Freeman avoided any field goal attempts, twice opting to go for it on fourth down inside typical kicking range. Afterward, he confirmed those choices were directly influenced by the team’s depleted kicking options.
“Yes, it factors into the fourth-down decisions,” Freeman said. “We’ve got to continue to build confidence. I have to make sure I have confidence to kick it from certain distances instead of telling our offense to go for it.”
Burnette, a transfer from North Carolina and former Second Team All-ACC selection, had been flawless before his injury, 13-for-13 on extra points and 3-for-3 on field goals, all under 40 yards.
His backup, Schmidt, previously missed a field goal against Purdue but had gone 10-for-10 on extra points before Saturday.
Despite the uncertainty, Notre Dame’s defense stole the spotlight. Cornerback Leonard Moore, returning from a high ankle sprain, snagged two of the team’s four interceptions. Freeman praised the defensive resurgence, saying,
“To think where that defense was… it was a low point for us all. And to see the way they stayed committed, stayed together… I’m so proud of them.”
Quarterback CJ Carr went 15-of-23 for 189 yards and two touchdowns to Will Pauling and Malachi Fields, while running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price combined for 186 yards and two scores. Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen threw four interceptions and ran for the Broncos’ only touchdown.
Freeman now hopes Burnette can recover in time for next week’s test. The Irish may have found their rhythm, but the kicking situation remains an unwelcome subplot in an otherwise dominant win