It was a momentous Saturday for North Carolina football and head coach Mack Brown, as the Tar Heels secured a decisive 35-11 victory over Florida State. Powered by a career performance from running back Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (5-4, 2-3 ACC) dominated the Seminoles, ending a long-standing drought for Brown against his alma mater. This victory marks Brown’s first-ever win over Florida State after an 0-11 record across previous matchups, including stints at Tulane and two periods at UNC.
Omarion Hampton delivered an unforgettable game, scoring all five of UNC’s touchdowns and accumulating an impressive 265 yards from scrimmage. Hampton, who has now reached 14 touchdowns on the season, showcased his versatility and endurance, rushing for 172 yards on the ground while adding another 93 yards through the air. His performance was highlighted by a 49-yard touchdown reception, igniting the Tar Heels offense and keeping Florida State’s defense on its heels all afternoon.
In a testament to their offensive prowess, North Carolina rolled up 289 rushing yards, overwhelming the Seminoles’ defense with a relentless ground attack. The Tar Heels controlled the clock and dictated the pace, keeping Florida State’s struggling offense off the field. Head coach Mack Brown praised his team’s physicality and control in the trenches, noting that the team’s ability to establish the run set the tone for the entire game.
“We knew it was going to take a powerful performance to control the game,” Brown said after the win. “To see Omarion lead the way like that was just special. I couldn’t be prouder of our effort.”
For Florida State (1-8, 1-7 ACC), the season’s woes continued as they recorded their fifth consecutive loss. The Seminoles were limited to just 201 total yards and a season-low 11 points, stymied by a staunch UNC defense that stuffed the run game, allowing just 42 yards on 28 carries. Seminoles quarterback Brock Glenn managed 123 passing yards, connecting with Ja’Khi Douglas for a 28-yard touchdown that marked Florida State’s lone trip to the end zone. Backup QB Luke Kromenhoek also saw action, completing 2 of 7 passes for 36 yards but threw two costly interceptions in the fourth quarter that sealed Florida State’s fate.
Even Florida State’s special teams couldn’t save the day, though kicker Ryan Fitzgerald did nail a career-long 56-yard field goal in the first half. Beyond that, the Seminoles struggled to find any rhythm or momentum, as their offense faltered under UNC’s relentless pressure.
For Mack Brown, Saturday’s game was more than just a win. As a Florida State alum, he had long sought a victory over his alma mater, but previous matchups had left him empty-handed. Coming into the game with an 0-11 record against the Seminoles, Brown’s first-ever win over Florida State was a meaningful moment in his storied coaching career. Brown’s excitement was evident, both for the personal milestone and for his team’s strong performance in a season where consistency has been elusive.
“Winning against Florida State, my alma mater, is incredibly special,” Brown said. “But I’m happier for these kids who showed grit and determination. They deserved every bit of this win.”
With the victory, North Carolina heads into a bye week on a high note. The Tar Heels will host Wake Forest on Nov. 16, aiming to build momentum for a strong finish to the season. For Florida State, a challenging road game at Notre Dame awaits, as the Seminoles look to salvage something from a tough season.
In an ACC season filled with twists and turns, Omarion Hampton’s standout performance and Mack Brown’s long-awaited victory over Florida State will surely be remembered as one of the year’s bright spots for the Tar Heels.
