Staff Picks for the UNC football program's contest against Florida State
Coming off a victory at Virginia, the UNC football program is back in action to close out a two-game road trip in Tallahassee against the Florida State Seminoles.
Last weekend's victory was encouraging, especially given how the Tar Heels have looked over the previous couple of weeks. Now the question remains: can the UNC football program find a way to make it two wins in a row?
Before we get to the picks, a quick shoutout to our newest staff member, Brendan Lunga, who makes his Staff Picks debut this week!
Nick Delahanty- Site Expert
I'm someone who will admit when I'm wrong (even when I don't want to), but I owe an apology to Mack Brown and the UNC football program for doubting them last week against Virginia.
I mean... can ya blame me for having my doubts?
I'm happy they proved me wrong, and I'm going to say they pick up another win this weekend in Tallahassee. Florida State has been an absolute dumpster fire all year long, so there's literally no excuse for the Tar Heels as they look to make it two in a row.
I ultimately believe it will be close, but I'm going with the Tar Heels (as Sabrina Carpenter says, "I'm begging you don't embarrass me).
Prediction: North Carolina 31, Florida State 17
Record: 5-3
Chase Maxwell- Contributor
Last week, Omarion Hampton and JJ Jones showed out for the Tar Heels in their 41-14 blowout victory over Virginia. If the same team that showed up last week at Virginia shows up to Tallahassee this weekend, they should have no problem taking down the 1-7 Seminoles. Doak Campbell Stadium is one of the more hostile environments in the ACC, but the Tar Heels have what it takes to start a winning streak here.
Prediction: North Carolina 33, Florida State 17
Record: 6-2
Michael McKay- Contributor
At the beginning of the season, this away game was circled on the calendar as UNC's toughest game of the season. There were some pundits that thought the Tar Heels could face off with Florida State as two undefeated teams. Well, here we are with smashed expectations from both teams. One however, has shown signs of life, and it's defense just took some Zyn and Red Bull en route to sacking Virginia's quarterbacks 10 times.
Florida State's offense has been poor. If North Carolina shows up like they did at UVA, they can win this game. If they play like they did against Georgia Tech, FSU can pull off the upset.
Prediction: North Carolina 28, Florida State 24
Record: 5-3
Luke Sugar- Contributor
Coming off their most impressive win of the season, I think the Tar Heels keep it rolling and take down Florida State. If North Carolina’s season has been disappointing, then Florida State’s has been disastrous.
The Seminoles were the preseason favorites in the ACC and ranked top 10 nationally to start the season. They’re now 1-7 and on a four-game losing streak. Florida State’s quarterback room has been a mess. Transfer QB DJ Uiagalelei didn’t pan out like everyone thought he would. He’s been sidelined the past few weeks with a hand injury, but he would’ve been benched regardless for poor performance.
I have the Tar Heels getting their second road win in a row.
Prediction: North Carolina 31, Florida State 28
Record: 5-3
JT Zangara- Contributor
North Carolina came off a big win versus Virginia last weekend. Both the offense and defense looked great for the Tar Heels, and I believe they will keep rolling. North Carolina will face 1-7 Florida State in Tallahassee. Florida State has had one of the worst offenses in the ACC and their rushing defense has allowed the most rushing yards in the ACC. Omarion Hampton could have a huge day, and I think he can reach 150 yards for the second time this year. The Florida State offense has yet to score more than 16 points since Week 1 of the season. If North Carolina can continue and build off of last week's blowout win, they could move to 5-4. I expect the Tar Heels offense to explode yet again and win this ACC matchup.
Prediction: North Carolina 40, Florida State 13
Record: 7-1
Brendan Lunga- Contributor
Florida St. has been disappointing in the ACC to say the least, dropping to 1-7 last week with a loss against Miami. The Seminoles have the worst scoring offense in the conference. With the UNC defense coming off a ten-sack game against Virginia, the Tar Heels should be able to have their way on that side of the ball. If quarterback Jacolby Criswell and running back Omarion Hampton continue their success on the offensive side, UNC will walk out of Doak S. Campbell Stadium with the win for the first time since 2016.
Prediction: North Carolina 27, Florida State 20
Record: 0-0 *Staff Picks Debut*