Nov 13 min read

Tar Heels Hope to Build Momentum Against Reeling Seminoles

The North Carolina Tar Heels (4-4, 1-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) travel to face the struggling Florida State Seminoles (1-7, 1-6) on Nov. 2 at 3:30 p.m. EST in Tallahassee, Fla. The Seminoles have dominated the all-time, head-to-head series 17-3-1, but the two conference foes have not played each other since 2021.

What's at Stake?

After a 3-0 start to the season, the Tar Heels endured a devastating four-game losing streak. The defense was the main culprit behind North Carolina's struggles, allowing 41.5 points per game and 507.5 yards per game during the losing streak. Last week against the Virginia Cavaliers (4-4, 2-3), however, the Tar Heels' defense turned completely around. The defensive line led the charge, getting constant pressure that resulted in 10 sacks, 2 interceptions by linemen and just 7 total rushing yards allowed. North Carolina will hope to continue to see improvement on defense as it makes a late-season push for bowl eligibility.

The Seminoles are in the midst of an abysmal season under head coach Mike Norvell. Their 1-6 record in conference play is their worst mark since they first joined the ACC in 1992. With only four games left in the season, Florida State will hope to get valuable experience for its young stars and build positive momentum heading into next year.

Key Players: North Carolina Tar Heels

Omarion Hampton, Running Back

The talented junior running back has been one of the most consistent pieces of a streaky Tar Heels offense. Hampton has rushed for over 1,000 yards in just eight games and ranks sixth in the nation with an unbelievable 125.8 yards per game. North Carolina should continue to rely on Hampton against a manageable Seminoles rush defense that has allowed 190.8 rush yards per game.

Kaimon Rucker, Defensive End

With the defense reeling, Rucker stepped up and led the charge against the Cavaliers. He was tenacious at the line, contributing 3 sacks, 7 quarterback pressures and 1 interception in a dominant day overall for the defense. Rucker and the rest of the defensive line should have success once again against inexperienced freshman quarterback Brock Glenn.

Key Players: Florida State Seminoles

Lawrance Toafili, Running Back

For the Seminoles to have any success in this matchup, they will have to rely on their experienced backfield. In a hard-fought loss to the Duke Blue Devils (6-2, 2-2) on Oct. 18, Florida State had one of its best offensive outputs of their season thanks to 162 rushing yards from the ground attack. Toafili has been quiet so far this season, but he provides the veteran leadership that will be needed for the Seminoles to hang with the high-flying North Carolina offense.

Darrell Jackson Jr., Defensive Tackle

The junior lineman was one of the lone bright spots for the Seminoles against the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes (8-0, 4-0). Jackson tallied 2 sacks against one of the top offensive lines in the country. He will now be tasked with slowing down one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the country.

Trends to Watch

While the 2024 Florida State team hardly resembles the Seminoles teams of the last few years, Norvell is notoriously good in November. His Seminoles teams have won eight straight November games. In addition, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown has never beaten Florida State, losing all eight meetings at the helm of the Tar Heels.