UNC remained winless in the ACC at 0-3, 4-3 overall. FSU (3-4, 1-3 ACC) recorded its first ACC win and avoided the first four-game losing streak in embattled Coach Bobby Bowden’s legendary career. The Seminoles now lead the all-time series 15-1-1, with the Tar Heels’ lone victory coming in 2001.

UNC finally got its rushing game going with contributions from numerous sources — tailback Shaun Draughn with 126 yards and wide receiver Greg Little out of Hillside High School with 48 — and quarterback T.J. Yates’ 10-yard rushing touchdown early in the second half built the Tar Heels’ lead to 24-6.

But they couldn’t fend off FSU quarterback Christian Ponder, who came alive on a long drive for a field goal late in the first half and played a near-perfect second half against the nation’s third-ranked defense. Ponder finished 33-of-40 for 395 yards and three TD passes, including a Kenan Stadium-record 98-yarder to Rod Owens late in the third quarter to get FSU back into the game.

The Seminoles won it on Ponder’s 18-yard hookup with tight end Beau Reliford with 6:20 to play.

— FROM STAFF REPORTS