**Florida State Gears Up for ACC Finale Against North Carolina**

Florida State is heading back to home turf for their concluding ACC game of the year, set to take place on Saturday afternoon against North Carolina. The Seminoles have been trailblazers this season, being the first team nationwide to complete their entire conference schedule, as they'll have faced a conference opponent in eight out of their first nine games of 2024.

Under head coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles have established a formidable record in November, securing eight consecutive wins during this month. This follows perfect 4-0 records both in 2022 and 2023, bringing Norvell's career November tally to a striking 24-5 (.828).

Highlighting their special teams performance, Florida State stands unique in the ACC, being one of only two teams nationwide with a kickoff return touchdown in each of the last three seasons. Samuel Singleton Jr.’s 95-yard kickoff return touchdown against Duke extended this streak. Previous standout returns include Deuce Spann’s 99-yarder in 2023 and Trey Benson’s 93-yard return in 2022.

Defensively, the Seminoles have excelled in blocking kicks, tying for first place nationally with five blocked kicks this season – comprising four field goals and one punt. Their consistency is evidenced by their streak of blocking at least one kick in four different games this season, a national high.

On the punting front, Florida State leads the country with a net punting average of 46.58 yards per punt. Punter Alex Mastromanno is at the helm, boasting a personal average of 49.6 yards per punt and leading the nation with 21 punts of 50+ yards, surpassing the next closest by six such kicks.

Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald has also made his mark, being the only kicker with four field goals made from 52 yards or more, and maintaining a perfect record on field goal attempts with at least nine tries this season.

Defensive highlights include holding Duke to a mere 70 passing yards and 180 yards of total offense, the lowest for any ACC team against a Power 4 opponent this season. Their eight pass breakups were the most since their victorious 2023 ACC Championship Game.

The Seminoles have shown prowess in their pass rush as well, recording 7.0 sacks in their win over Cal – a feat not matched since the 2023 ACC Championship Game and the highest tally conceded by the Bears since 2019.

In 2024, Florida State has seen ten players begin their collegiate starting careers. Notable mentions include five consecutive starts each by linebacker Blake Nichelson and wide receiver Hykeem Williams. Additionally, defensive back K.J. Kirkland and offensive lineman Jaylen Early have both started five games. Tight end Landen Thomas has recently started three straight games, while others like André Otto, Justin Cryer, Jalen Brown, Brian Courtney, and Jackson West have made their starting debuts over the season.

As they prepare to face North Carolina, Florida State will look to maintain their remarkable form and cement their dominance in the ACC.