Takeaways from FSU's demoralizing loss to UNC

In a season of low points, Florida State didn't lay a single goose egg in the first half. But beyond Ryan Fitzgerald's 56-yard field goal attempt, the Seminoles managed just 61 offensive yards and allowed UNC to convert 8 of 10 third-down conversions.

Mike Norvell's offense and Adam Fuller's defense only performed a few moments early. And things didn't get any better in the second half either.

Omarion Hampton had four touchdown runs and a 49-yard TD reception – he had 172 rushing yards and 93 receiving yards – in North Carolina's 35-11 victory over FSU. It was a season low in points for the Seminoles.

The last opposing player to have four rushing TDs in a game against FSU was Lamar Jackson in 2016.

Mack Brown earned his first win over FSU after three losses at Tulane in the mid-1980s and an 0-8 mark in his two appearances at UNC. Brown, an FSU graduate, lost to the Seminoles in 2020 and 2021, but he pulled off a stunning victory on Saturday.

FSU (1-8) failed to win in October and began November with a loss in a contest. The Seminoles slipped to 1-7 at the conclusion of ACC play.

And yes, FSU continued its dismal streak by failing to score in halftime and failing to gain 300 yards of offense.

“I think just the reaction when something negative comes up – that's probably what disappointed me the most today, when there were a few negative plays, just not seeing the spark, not just seeing that reaction. “That's what we're used to are that we train, that we emphasize,” Norvell said. “I do think that the way the season went has shaken our confidence in a lot of ways.”

Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek shared FSU's first five drives. Both were constantly under pressure. Neither of them could really move the ball.

Glenn's 33-yard pass to Hykeem Williams, Kromenhoek's 13-yard run and Lawrance Toafili's 12-yard run represented the overwhelming majority of FSU's 61 offensive yards.

FSU had four punts and Fitzgerald's long field goal attempt. That was it. And UNC's Beau Atkinson had 3.5 sacks – at halftime.

There was a lively debate in the press box about whether FSU's halftime was its worst of the season. And not just statistically. One could argue for “yes.”

UNC converted 8 of its first 10 third-down attempts and finished 11 of 16. Every time FSU UNC had its back against the wall? The Tar Heels have found a solution. UNC converted on third downs from 9, 14 and 10 yards.

The Seminoles built some confidence early by making a goal-line stop on fourth down. There was almost another score late in the third quarter before Hampton had a 1-yard TD run on fourth down.

UNC had six chunk runs and six chunk passes. One of the ugliest moments for FSU came when Hampton broke free on his 31-yard TD run, where Quindarrius Jones could have made a tackle in the open field, only for a shoulder hit and little production to hit the UNC star to slow down on the way to the end zone.

FSU started its eighth offensive line combination in nine games. From left, the Seminoles used Darius Washington, Andre' Otto, Jacob Rizy, Jaylen Early and Jeremiah Byers.

Maurice Smith was dressed up and warmed up before the game. Rizy is making his second start in as many weeks after starting at left back in Miami. Early is making his sixth start in 2024 and his third straight start at guard.

Justin Cryer was injured on a third-down play with 3:05 left in the third quarter. He appeared to suffer an injury to his right ankle/foot and was transported.

Kam Davis did not play for the second week in a row. The Seminoles were also without reserve linebacker DeMarco Ward.

Florida State plays at Notre Dame next Saturday.