The Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Tar Heels have a long and storied history in the world of college athletics, particularly in football and basketball. Both universities are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and have a strong rivalry that spans multiple sports. In this article, we will explore the history of the FSU vs UNC rivalry, including their head-to-head matchups, notable games, and the current state of their athletic programs.
Football Rivalry
The FSU vs UNC football rivalry is one of the most intense and competitive in the ACC. The two teams have met on the gridiron 17 times, with FSU holding a slight edge in the series, 10-6-1. The Seminoles have won five of the last seven meetings, including a 31-28 victory in 2020. UNC’s last win in the series came in 2010, when they defeated FSU 37-35 in Chapel Hill.
One of the most notable games in the series was the 2013 matchup, which saw FSU win 49-17. The Seminoles were led by quarterback Jameis Winston, who threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns. The win helped FSU secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game, where they ultimately defeated Duke 45-7.
Notable Football Players
Both FSU and UNC have produced a number of notable football players over the years. For the Seminoles, some of the most notable players include:
- Deion Sanders, a cornerback who won the Jim Thorpe Award in 1988
- Charlie Ward, a quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy in 1993
- Warrick Dunn, a running back who was a three-time Pro Bowl selection
For the Tar Heels, some of the most notable players include:
- Lawrence Taylor, a linebacker who was a 10-time Pro Bowl selection
- Julius Peppers, a defensive end who was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection
- Mitch Trubisky, a quarterback who was the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft
| Team | Wins | Losses | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSU | 10 | 6 | 1 |
| UNC | 6 | 10 | 1 |
Basketball Rivalry
The FSU vs UNC basketball rivalry is another intense and competitive series, with the two teams having met on the hardwood 64 times. UNC holds a significant edge in the series, 44-20. The Tar Heels have won 10 of the last 15 meetings, including a 78-70 victory in 2020.
One of the most notable games in the series was the 2012 matchup, which saw UNC win 79-58. The Tar Heels were led by forward Harrison Barnes, who scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. The win helped UNC secure a share of the ACC regular season championship.
Notable Basketball Players
Both FSU and UNC have produced a number of notable basketball players over the years. For the Seminoles, some of the most notable players include:
- Bob Sura, a guard who was a two-time ACC Player of the Year
- Tim Pickett, a guard who was a two-time All-ACC selection
- Toney Douglas, a guard who was a two-time All-ACC selection
For the Tar Heels, some of the most notable players include:
- Michael Jordan, a guard who won the Naismith Trophy in 1984
- James Worthy, a forward who was a two-time ACC Player of the Year
- Tyler Hansbrough, a forward who won the Naismith Trophy in 2008
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| UNC | 44 | 20 |
| FSU | 20 | 44 |
Current State of the Programs
Both FSU and UNC have strong athletic programs, with a number of sports competing at the highest level. The Seminoles have won 20 ACC championships in football, basketball, and baseball, while the Tar Heels have won 43 ACC championships in football, basketball, and soccer.
In football, FSU is currently led by head coach Mike Norvell, who is in his second season at the helm. The Seminoles are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2020 season, in which they finished 3-6. UNC, on the other hand, is led by head coach Mack Brown, who is in his second stint at the school. The Tar Heels are looking to build on a strong 2020 season, in which they finished 8-4 and won the Orange Bowl.
In basketball, FSU is currently led by head coach Leonard Hamilton, who is in his 20th season at the helm. The Seminoles are looking to build on a strong 2020-21 season, in which they finished 18-7 and won the ACC Tournament. UNC, on the other hand, is led by head coach Hubert Davis, who is in his first season at the helm. The Tar Heels are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2020-21 season, in which they finished 18-11 and lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
What is the all-time record between FSU and UNC in football?
+FSU leads the series 10-6-1.
Who is the all-time leading scorer in the FSU vs UNC basketball series?
+Tyler Hansbrough, who scored 234 points in 10 games against FSU.
What is the current state of the FSU and UNC athletic programs?
+Both programs are strong and competitive, with a number of sports competing at the highest level. FSU has won 20 ACC championships, while UNC has won 43 ACC championships.
