By james art 
The Florida State Seminoles moved to 1-8 in what was a devastating 2024 season. The ‘Noles lost their fifth straight game and after being knocked out of the bowl game last weekend against rival Miami. The story remained the same against the Tar Heels in a 35-11 loss that left fans still scratching their heads as to what was going on in Tallahassee.
FSU got the ball first, but the offense fumbled and went three-and-out. The two teams traded third downs after a one-yard stop by defensive back Scheiheim Brown, Florida State got the ball back on offense and wide receiver Haikeem Williams moved the offense down the middle on a 33-yard catch and kicker Ryan Fitzgerald put the Seminoles on the board first with a 56-yard punt.
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The UNC offense answered with a 24-yard pass to Kobe Paysour and moved into the Seminole redzone with another 16-yard pass to John Copenhaver. The Noles were held to their own goal line after a tackle for a loss by junior linebacker Omar Graham.
After back-to-back punts by quarterback Brock Glenn, the Tar Heels forced another punt. While the Seminole defense looked solid, issues continued to emerge on defense. North Carolina was able to capitalize on a missed tackle by KJ Kirkland, allowing a 38-yard run after Jacolby Criswell’s catch.
The Tar Heels were able to take advantage of an intermediate passing game and leading rusher Omarion Hampton gave North Carolina six on a one-yard run. Kicker Lucas Osada’s extra point was good, making it 7-3.
Quarterback Luke Kromenhoek entered the game and continued to kick. After an option pass, he converted on third down with a 12-yard punt. But the offense was forced into another three-and-out.
Hampton and the North Carolina quarterback were able to march downfield and Paysour put them in scoring position on an 18-yard reception. UNC was able to add another Hampton field goal to put the Tar Heels up by 11 with less than two minutes left in the half.
North Carolina’s defense was also able to string together some explosive plays on back-to-back sacks by linebacker Beau Atkinson. Florida State’s Darrell Jackson, a junior, added another sack to his season high as the seconds ticked down in the second quarter. A UNC rush failed a 54-yard field goal attempt and Knowles headed to the locker room.
The defense continued to give up big plays on third down, helping Criswell and the UNC offense move the ball with ease. Running back Davion Gause moved the Tar Heels into scoring position. Hampton put six more on the board after a 31-yard field goal, making it 21-3.
Glenn replaced Cromenhook and started FSU’s drive with a 50-yard pass to wide receiver Malik Benson. On fourth and third, Glenn found wide receiver Ja’Khi Douglas in the end zone. Wide receiver Lawayne McCoy converted for two, making it 11-21.
UNC responded with a 43-yard run by Hampton and a horse collar penalty moved them inside the Seminole 15-yard line. UNC’s fourth score came on a one-yard run by Hampton.
Glenn found tight end Kyle Morlock to help extend a third-and-10 drive, followed by a five-yard strike from running back Caziah Holmes. Glenn turned the ball over on a failed pass intended for Morlock, giving UNC the ball at midfield. Hampton scored his fifth touchdown of the night on a 50-yard pass to lead the Tar Heels by 24 points.
FSU’s troubles continued after Kromenhoek added another twist in the game. Safety Will Hardy jumped a pass route intended for Douglas, ending the Seminoles’ drive once again.
Running back Lawrence Toafili moved the Seminole offense on a 32-yard reception from Cromenhook, but on the next play Cromenhook threw his second interception of the night.
The Seminoles are scheduled to play Notre Dame on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m
READ MORE: NoleGameday Staff Score Predictions: Florida State Seminoles vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
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