How to watch UNC football play at Florida State with RB Omarion Hampton leading the Heels
Omarion Hampton’s performance on the field speaks volumes, even if he doesn’t.
The North Carolina running back, known for his quiet demeanor, recently hit a major career milestone during the Tar Heels’ 41-14 win over Virginia. On Saturday, Hampton surpassed 1,000 rushing yards on the season — his second consecutive year accomplishing that feat. He is just the ninth player in UNC history to record multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
While his teammates celebrated his achievement in the locker room postgame, Hampton wasn’t one to bask in the moment.
“All the guys, they were just yelling ‘Speech!’” Hampton said. “I was just tired after the game.”
Hampton’s hard-nosed running style is the backbone of UNC’s offense this season. The 6-foot, 220-pound back is responsible for a heavy workload, averaging 22.6 carries per game. Against Virginia, he logged 26 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught three receptions for 37 yards — an aspect of his game he’s been working to hone.
Hampton’s improvement as a receiving threat has added another dimension to UNC’s offense. Quarterback Jacolby Criswell acknowledged Hampton has made his transition into the starting role easier.
“I told him, ‘If the pressure’s getting to me, make sure you’re out because I’m throwing you the ball,’” Criswell said. “And he did exactly that. It’s really good to have a back like him… You have a third-and-one and, in my mind, I know who the ball’s going to.”
It was a routine sight during fall camp to see Hampton staying late after practice to take reps on the JUGs machine.
Mack Brown said this competitive spirit is a driving force behind Hampton’s success. The coach often notes how Hampton gets visibly frustrated when taken out of games, always wanting to contribute more.
“He wants to win,” Brown said. “I love the fact that we got it to him out of the backfield [against Virginia] two or three times. He’s really special and I’ve been preaching that — give him space. I thought he looked as good the other day as I’ve seen him this year. I was really pleased with him.”
That relentless energy should make a difference this Saturday when the Tar Heels face a struggling Florida State defense. The Seminoles rank 105th nationally in run defense, allowing 179.2 yards per game on the ground. After conceding 230 rushing yards to Miami last week, FSU will face another stiff challenge trying to contain Hampton.
Betting odds
UNC is a 2.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 50.5.
How to watch
The game will be televised on ACC Network, which is available on major cable and satellite services like Spectrum, DirecTV and Dish Network. Streaming options include fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and DIRECTV Stream.
North Carolina vs. Florida State
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
TV: ACC Network
Series history: Florida State leads the all-time series 18-3-1 and has won the past two games. UNC is 2-8-1 against Florida State in games played in Tallahassee.
This story was originally published October 31, 2024 at 6:00 AM.