FSU aims to avoid repeat of past trouble at NC State

Last week's heartbreaking loss to Clemson, pretty much eliminated any chance Florida State had at winning the Atlantic Division and securing a spot in the ACC Championship Game. A win at North Carolina State would make the Seminoles bowl eligible, but playing in Raleigh has been tough for FSU of late.

The Seminoles (5-3, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) have lost three of five meetings in Raleigh, including one four years ago while carrying a No. 3 national ranking. Even the wins haven't been easy, with Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston and the then-No. 1 Seminoles having to rally from 17 down in a 56-41 shootout in their last visit here in 2014.

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"They like playing us," said FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher of their troubles in Raleigh.

The season hasn't gone as expected for FSU, which was ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP Top 25 but lost in a rout at Louisville then at home to North Carolina on a last-play field goal.

"We're trying to control where we are and be where our feet are," tailback Dalvin Cook said. "I love this group of guys. One of the best groups I've been around and we have to seize the moment. I think we do a good job coming back and assessing things. Guys are embracing it."