(Editors note: Seminoles.com release)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (seminoles.com) – This was just what Florida State and first-year Head Coach Mike Norvell needed.
The Seminoles took a 31-7 halftime lead and earned a hard fought 31-28 win over No. 5 North Carolina – the Seminoles’ first win over a top-five ranked team since a 31-27 win over No. 5 ranked Notre Dame on October 18, 2014. The win was Florida State’s first over a ranked team since a 22-21 win over No. 22 Boston College on November 17, 2018.
Florida State (2-3, 1-3 ACC) gave Norvell his first career ACC win and gave North Carolina (3-1, 3-1 ACC) its first loss of the season. The Seminoles’ victory also kept Florida State alumnus Mack Brown winless over the school where he played collegiately as a running back in 1972 and 1973 (0-10).
Quarterback Jordan Travis completed eight passes for 191 yards and one touchdown and ran 16 times for a career-high 107 yards and two touchdowns. Running back La’Damian Webb rushed 12 times for a career-best 109 yards.
It was Florida State’s defense that saved the day and the victory. The defense stopped North Carolina on downs on its final drive of the game to secure the victory. Florida State limited the Tar Heels to 184 yards rushing – only 34 yards rushing in the second half. North Carolina entered the games averaging 245 yards rushing yards per game and had scored nine rushing touchdowns in its first four games. The Tar Heels managed just one rushing touchdown in Saturday’s game.
