Lost to Florida State 34-0

What worked

The postgame contrition. The head coach and the players avoided any bogus excuses after the lopsided loss. N.C. State (4-4, 1-3 ACC) couldn't block and couldn't tackle, as coach Tom O'Brien succinctly put it, and that's a recipe for a thorough beating every time, regardless of the opponent.

What needs work

The offensive line has to find a way to protect quarterback Mike Glennon, who was sacked three times, hit about 10 other times and rushed into two interceptions and his worst game as a college starter. Given North Carolina's talent on the defensive front, N.C. State's line will need to adjust quickly.

What's next

North Carolina travels to Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday (12:30 p.m., WRAL). Only one other N.C. State coach, Dick Sheridan, has ever beaten UNC five times in a row. O'Brien has won his first four games against the Tar Heels, who are 6-3 this season and coming off of an impressive 49-24 win over Wake Forest.