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Oct 23, 2009 10:56 am US/Eastern
FSU Stages Huge Rally To Knock Off Tar Heels
CHAPEL HILL, NC (CBS4) ―
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Greg Reid #5 of the Florida State Seminoles leaps over North Carolina Tar Heels defenders Shane Mularkey #41 and Mark House #61 at Kenan Stadium on October 22, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden has been under fire in recent weeks as the Seminoles have struggled mightily in 2009. But, on Thursday night, FSU quarterback Christian Ponder threw for 395 yards and three touchdowns as he led the Seminoles on a huge comeback victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels, 30-27.
FSU was down 24-6 around the midway point of the third quarter when things finally seemed to click for the Seminoles. The offense which had struggled exploded for huge gains, including the game-changing play, a 98-yard touchdown pass from Ponder to Rod Owens. The 98-yard touchdown was the longest in the history of North Carolina's stadium.
All was not perfect for the Seminoles, who did push their record to 3-4 and picked up their first ACC victory. The Seminole linebackers were constantly out of position every time the Tar Heels ran to the perimeter. Instead of pushing the play back inside, the Seminole linebackers were caught up inside and gaping holes were opened up for Tar Heel backs to run through on the outside.
Still, when it counted most, the Seminole defense stiffened up in the fourth quarter and held the Tar Heels to just 3 points in the second half. The Seminoles pass defense also kept North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates to less than 100 yards passing for the game.
The Seminoles took the lead in the game with 6:20 to play in the fourth quarter when Ponder hit tight end Beau Reliford for an 18-yard touchdown pass. FSU wide receiver Rod Owens had nine catches for 199 yards, including the 98-yard touchdown pass.
Much like Oklahoma, Florida State is only a few plays from having a winning record and leading their division in the ACC. The Seminoles still have an outside shot of getting to the ACC title game, despite their rough stretch over the last 3 games.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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