2010 Florida State Seminoles Football: Florida State vs North Carolina

After five straight weeks of unbelievable success, the Florida State Seminoles faced their first truly disappointing loss against the NC State Wolfpack last Thursday. A fumble on the NCSU four yard line by quarterback Christian Ponder gave the Noles their second loss of the season and first conference loss. Now rather than being in control of the conference, the Noles are on the short list to win their division of the ACC. They can step closer to that huge win if they can defeat the UNC Tar Heels this Saturday.

Florida State comes into this game as a heavy favorite and for good reason. Despite their loss, they are still one of the most improved teams in the nation. Here's where they rank currently on the national scale:

Passing Yards per Game - 71st (207.8)
Rushing Yards per Game - 20th (207.4)
Points Scored - 28th (33.5 ppg)
Points Allowed - 15th (17.6 ppg)

Anyone who followed the Noles last season knows how improved Jimbo Fisher's team is doing, yet they face a strong Tar Heel team during homecoming this weekend. Many people overlook the fact that UNC is a team of good players despite the controversy surrounding the team. The Heels stand at 5-3 overall (2-2 in the ACC) and are coming off a narrow win over William and Mary University. UNC has had some high points this season (beating Clemson 21-16) and some heartbreaking moments (barely losing to LSU 30-24). Here's where they rank nationally:

Passing Yards per Game - 48th (235.9)
Rushing Yards per Game - 85th (135.5)
Points Scored - 74th (25.4)
Points Allowed - 38th (20.8)

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Perhaps the biggest story of this game will be the Noles' ability to adjust to UNC's offense. In the last few games the Noles' defense has allowed long drives early in the game but have adjusted to each offense. That adjustment is what helped FSU hold NCSU to just 7 points in the first half. But the defense seemed to forget the adjustments in the second half, allowing NCSU to come back from a 14-point deficit to win.

UNC's T.J. Yates has recorded nearly 2,000 passing yards and 12 TDs in 8 games. Not record-breaking but Yates has proven to be the key to UNC's offense. When he's in a rhythm, he can throw for over 400 yards (against LSU he had 412 yards and 3 TDs). But if he's up against a strong defense, Yates can effectively be shut down (against Miami he had 140 yards and 0 TDs).

But don't let UNC fool you - despite their suspension-laden team, their defense is still star-studded. They haven't allowed over 33 points this season while the Noles are averaging 33.5 points per game. UNC's defense will be strong against the Noles and dropped passes by receivers (which has plagued the Noles this season) won't go unnoticed. If the Noles are to defeat the Heels, FSU will need to eliminate petty mistakes (fumbles, interceptions, dropped passes, missed tackles). The little mistakes are what have landed FSU with a 4-1 conference record rather than in complete control of their destiny.

Florida State Seminoles vs North Carolina Tar Heels Football Preview