Raleigh, NC – November 22, 2025 – The Florida State Seminoles’ nightmare on the road continued Friday night, as they dropped a frustrating 21-11 decision to the NC State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. This Florida State road loss marks their eighth straight defeat away from Doak Campbell Stadium, plunging the Seminoles to 5-6 overall (2-6 ACC) and leaving their bowl eligibility hanging by a thread in the 2025 college football season.
What should have been a gritty comeback in this ACC football rivalry turned into a tale of self-inflicted wounds for FSU. Despite outgaining NC State 383-286 in total yards and securing more first downs (21-20), the Seminoles’ special teams blunders and turnovers handed the Wolfpack crucial late-game opportunities. For a program still smarting from last year’s undefeated regular season, this Seminoles road woes underscore a troubling trend under head coach Mike Norvell: 10-16 away from home over six years.
Game Recap: Comeback Crushed by Special Teams Miscues
The first half was a defensive grind, with Florida State managing just three points—a field goal—while NC State built a 7-0 lead on Will Wilson’s 1-yard quarterback sneak to cap a 15-play, nearly nine-minute drive in the third quarter. The Wolfpack extended their advantage to 14-3 later in the frame, but the Seminoles clawed back with renewed vigor in the fourth.
Quarterback Tommy Castellanos orchestrated an 86-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Duce Robinson, pulling FSU within one at 14-12 after a successful two-point conversion. For a moment, it seemed the Seminoles might flip the script on their Florida State vs NC State history. But disaster struck twice in the final minutes.
With 3:53 left, NC State punter Caden Noonkester’s kick bizarrely ricocheted off FSU blocker K.J. Kirkland’s helmet, allowing the Wolfpack to recover at midfield. Then, at 2:21, returner Squirrel White muffed another punt at the 14-yard line, which Tra Thomas scooped for NC State. Freshman QB C.J. Bailey capitalized immediately, hitting Justin Joly for a 12-yard touchdown with 1:47 remaining to seal the 21-11 victory.
Florida State added a late field goal but couldn’t overcome the damage. The Seminoles’ defense, which notched four sacks and seven tackles for loss, forced two punts in the closing stages but couldn’t stop the bleeding from their own errors.
| Team | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Turnovers | Time of Possession | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State Seminoles | 383 | 203 | 180 | 3 | 32:57 | 8 (37 yards) |
| NC State Wolfpack | 286 | Not available | Not available | 0 | 27:03 | Not available |
Stats via Tomahawk Nation and ESPN Box Score
Standout Performers Amid FSU’s Struggles
Tommy Castellanos showed flashes of the dual-threat potential FSU recruited him for, completing 16 of 32 passes for 203 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while adding 45 rushing yards on the ground. Duce Robinson was his top target, snagging four catches for 52 yards, including the game’s lone FSU touchdown. Defensively, linebacker Mandrell Desir continued his breakout campaign with a sack—his fourth in four games—contributing to 28 yards lost by the Wolfpack offense.
Yet, the heroes for NC State stole the spotlight. Cornerback Devon Marshall’s two interceptions and five pass breakups disrupted Castellanos’ rhythm, while Joly’s clutch grab proved the difference-maker. For Florida State football fans, it’s a bitter pill: superior stats undone by execution.
No significant injuries were reported, but the emotional toll of another road defeat looms large as FSU heads into rivalry week.
Turning Points: Special Teams Sabotage Seals Eighth Straight Road Loss
The late special teams gaffes were the coffin nails in this Florida State road loss, transforming a winnable game into a collapse. Coach Mike Norvell called them “catastrophic,” echoing a season-long pattern of penalties (eight for 37 yards, including delay of game and illegal substitution) and missed opportunities—like kicker Jake Weinberg’s two botched field goals.
These errors aren’t new for the Seminoles. FSU ranks near the bottom of the ACC in punt coverage and return efficiency, and this marked their 0-4 road record in 2025—extending the skid to eight straight away defeats, with their last true road win dating back to 2023. As Norvell lamented postgame, “We were fully capable, but those mistakes cost us dearly. It’s on us to fix this.”
What It Means: Bowl Hopes Fading, Pressure Mounts on Norvell
This NC State upset drops Florida State to 5-6, putting their postseason dreams in jeopardy. The Seminoles need a win in their finale—a daunting road trip to Florida—to reach the six-win threshold for bowl eligibility, a mark they’ve missed three times under Norvell. At 3-13 in ACC play over the last 14 games, the slide from 2023’s 13-0 championship campaign has fans questioning the direction in Tallahassee.
The road woes amplify the narrative: FSU is 22-26 in conference games under Norvell, with away games a persistent Achilles’ heel. Calls for change are growing louder, but with talent like Castellanos and Robinson, there’s still hope for a spark. As the 2025 college football playoff race heats up, this loss serves as a stark reminder—execution trumps talent every time.
For the latest in Florida State Seminoles news, Mike Norvell updates, and ACC football analysis, search “FSU road loss streak 2025” and follow along. The ‘Noles fight on, but the road ahead looks longer than ever.
