Seminoles hope to start winning streak at UNC
Florida State snapped a four-game losing streak with a last-second field goal to defeat Syracuse, 33-30 last week. It was the first win for the Seminoles, who were off to their worst start since 1974.
“I’m pleased about the work and the continued belief in what it takes [to win],” said FSU coach Mike Norvell. “These guys are preparing hard throughout the week, and we did a better job of being more consistent.”
FSU travels to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina for the first time since 2009 hoping to make it back-to-back wins for the first time since 2019.
FLORIDA STATE
AT NORTH CAROLINA Where: Kenan Stadium
When: 3:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Radio: Seminole Sports Network/ Sirius XM Ch. 134/193/955 Weather: 70 degrees, 71% rain
Favorite: North Carolina by
17.5 points
Coaches: Norvell, second season, 4-10 (42-26 overall); Mack Brown, 13th season, 87-58-1 (256-129-1). Quick slant: This is the 21st meeting between the programs with FSU holding a 16-3-1 advantage, including 7-1 in Chapel Hill. Last season, the Seminoles jumped out to a 31-7 halftime lead and hung on to defeat 5th-ranked North Carolina, 31-28, in Tallahassee. It was the program’s first win against a ranked opponent since the 2016 Orange Bowl.
About Florida State (1-4, 1-2 ACC): Quarterback Jordan Travis earned the start for the second week in a row. The redshirt sophomore returned from injury to combine for 244 yards of total offense, including a career-high 113 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns to lead FSU past Syracuse. Travis’ 932 career rushing yards is the most by a Seminoles quarterback in school history. … FSU’s defense held the Orange to 2 of 12 (17%) on third downs and over the last six quarters have held teams to 3 of 20 (15%) on third downs. About North Carolina (3-2, 2-2 ACC): The Tar Heels have taken advantage of explosive plays with 35 plays of 20 or more yards, including 10 touchdowns. … North Carolina registered a season-high 5 sacks in its win against Duke led by sophomore defensive lineman Myles Murphy (1). Murphy also leads UNC in sacks (3) and tackles for loss (6.5). … Receiver Josh Downs
leads the conference in receptions (48) and receiving yards (673) and is second in receiving touchdowns (6). … Mack Brown has never beaten his alma mater in 10 previous meetings.
3 things to watch 1. Run the football
FSU rushed for 247 yards in the win against Syracuse as the Seminoles continue to impress with their ground game. The team ranks third in the ACC in rushing offense (201 yards per game) with tailbacks Jashaun Corbin (504 yards) and Treshaun Ward (285 yards) leading the way. North Carolina has allowed back-to-back 100-yard rushers in Georgia Tech QB Jeff Sims (128 yards) and Duke RB Mataeo Durant (114 yards).
2. Eliminate turnovers
FSU turned the ball over twice against Syracuse, including an interception by Travis at midfield which led to a field goal by the Orange. The Seminoles have had a least 1 turnover in 15 straight games, including 26 interceptions during that stretch. The last time a ’Noles quarterback didn’t throw an interception was James Blackman against Florida on Nov. 30, 2019.
3. Limit Sam Howell
The Tar Heels quarterback brushed off a rough start in the opener against Virginia Tech and has since thrown 13 touchdowns and an interception through four games. He’s 20 of 28 (71%) on third downs, including 6 of 10 (60%) on third-and-long (10-plus yards). Howell became the fourth quarterback in FBS history with 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing in back-to-back games.