ACC Showdown: Seminoles Battle the Wolfpack for First Place in the ACC Atlantic
By on October 28, 2010
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Florida State Quarterback Christian Ponder drops back to pass in Raleigh in 2008 - the last time he visited Carter-Finley Stadium
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
First place is on the line tonight as Florida State (6-1, 4-0) travels to Raleigh to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-2, 2-1). Top flight quarterbacks Christian Ponder and Russell Wilson will do battle on national television.
Both quarterbacks are coming off rough outings—two weeks ago (Florida State was off last week) Ponder turned the ball over four times, as the Seminoles held on to defeat Boston College 24-19.
NC State is also coming off a bye week. Last time out, they lost in overtime to East Carolina 33-27. Wilson threw three interceptions.
So both quarterbacks are looking to get back on track. Whoever wins this game will own the tie breaker against the other in the division. A win by Florida State would be a huge step to getting to the ACC Title game.
It should be a fun one to watch. Check in to the blog tonight to get my take on the action, and post your own comments and questions as well.
Notes:
- This is the fourth straight game in Raleigh in this series that has been televised on Thursday night by ESPN. Florida State won in 2004 and 2008, but lost in 2006.
- The Seminoles are off to their best start in league play since 2003.
- Both teams are the top 25 nationally in scoring.
- The Seminoles lead the ACC in scoring defense at 16.1 points per game.
- Russell Wilson leads the ACC in passing yards per game (303.4) and passing touchdowns (18).
Big win for Tom O'Brien and the Wolfpack. And an equally tough loss for Florida State. They now have their first conference loss. NC State and Florida State are tied for first place and the Wolfpack have the tie breaker. They control their own destiny to the ACC Championship Game.
And just like that, NC State will take the lead in the ACC Atlantic Division. It's amazing how one play can so drastically change things.
Looks like the running back ran into the ball, knocking it out of Ponder's hand.
What a turn of events! Ponder dropped the ball after a play fake, and its recovered by NC State. Huge turn out of events, as FSU had driven to the NC State 3 and had 3 plays to score.
1st and goal Florida State! Another Ponder scramble. Setting up for a last minute finish, 1:10 to go.
Conversion down to the 22! Gonna be a great finish. Both offensive coordinators have adjusted beautifully in the second half.
Ponder faces a big 3rd and 5 in NC State territory
Wilson TD pass, 28-24 NC State. Great drive capped off by a great play action call.
4th and goal at the 1. Let's see what NC State does.
Quarterback sneak stuffed on second and goal. Less than 4 minutes left.
NC State converts a big time 4th down and breaks it to the FSU 1. Simple slant pattern and the wide receiver broke the tackle by the corner.
Well timed third down throw by Russell Wilson. The Wolfpack is 7 of 7 on third down in the second half.
24-21 FSU, 9 minutes left.
Bad mistake by Ponder not to take the first down yardage. We'll see if it costs them.
Very well-designed play on 3rd and long for FSU. This game has had a ton of big plays.
And just when it looked like NC State was about to cash in an impressive drive, Wilson has a miscommunication with his wideout and FSU picks it off.
Big conversion on 3rd and 22! Haven't seen Florida State's defense look this lost in a while.
After 3, it's tied at 21. Big third and long for the Wolfpack coming up. It's anyone's ball game.
Wilson is 7/7 for 55 yards in the second half. Efficient, no?
Another incredible escape from Wilson, leading to a long pass for a first down. NC State is on the move.
Another scramble on third down for Russell Wilson. His running ability has been the difference so far in this game, not his passing ability.
Huge dropped pass by Willie Haulstead. Would have converted on 3rd and 16, instead FSU must punt.
Ty Jones has 10 carries for 105 yards on the night, giving Ponder plenty of help. Another huge hole created by the FSU offensive line.
Great kick coverage by NC State. Whatever Coach O'Brien said at halftime has worked. It's a brand new game.
Another Russell Wilson TD, and its a brand new ball game! The momentum has shifted back to the Wolfpack and the home fans. Should be a good finish.
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