FSU over North Carolina, 26-17

FSU over North Carolina, 26-17

POSTED 10/17/2008 - They call it storm Monday. And Tuesday's just as bad. But Thursday has become "Upset Thursday."

The first loss Florida State ever had in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) came during a Thursday night game against Virginia.

At the start of the game against North Carolina State it looked like the Seminoles would once again be bit by the Thursday night upset, but the Noles rallied to take the Wolf Pack 26-17.

FSU opened the game with a promising series that sputtered resulting in a punt. The Wolfpack (2-5, 0-3) responded with a field goal and touchdown on their first two drives and a 10-0 lead.

But the Noles (5-1, 2-1) stormed back.

FSU took the lead in the third quarter when senior kicker Graham Gano kicked his second field goal of the quarter.

After starting the season injured, Gano continued his perfect streak kicking four field goals and his eleventh straight of the season. The final kick came late in the fourth quarter to seal the game from 53 yards out.

N.C. State took the lead one last time scoring a touchdown to open the final stanza.

However, the Noles scored yet another touchdown and added another two Gano field goals to take the win.

Senior running back Antone Smith, who had seven touchdown runs in the past two games added yet another rushing score in the third quarter.

Sophomore quarterback Christian Ponder went 23 of 35 for 254 yards but more importantly had no interceptions.

The only downside of the Noles game Thursday was penalties. FSU was pushed back six times for 55 yards, five of them in the first half.

The Seminoles face Virginia Tech at home October 25. After dropping out of the polls following their loss to Wake Forest, many expect the Seminoles to once again be ranked when facing the Hokies.