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TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Ticker) -- Reports of Florida State's demise appear to have been premature. The Seminoles have climbed back into the top 10 and continue their pursuit for a 10th straight Atlantic Coast Conference title on Saturday when they host North Carolina State in their Homecoming contest. History is on Florida State's side. The Seminoles are 39-0 at home against ACC opponents since joining the conference in 1992. Moreover, coach Bobby Bowden has not lost a Homecoming game, going 25-0 since his arrival in Tallahassee in 1976. North Carolina State, coached by former Florida State assistant Chuck Amato, is one of only three ACC teams to beat the Seminoles on the road in the last nine years. Florida State's hopes for a 10th straight ACC crown appeared to jeopardy following a 41-9 loss at North Carolina on September 22, but the Seminoles climbed back into contention by handing Maryland its first loss of the season two weeks ago. Florida State (6-2, 5-1 ACC) and Maryland are tied for first place atop the conference. Plagued by inexperience and injuries earlier in the season, the Seminoles have gotten their offense in gear and are playing their best football of the season. Florida State has scored 136 points during its three-game winning streak. "Each of the last three games we've gotten better," Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said. "We are still not where we need to be. We are fixing to get to the upper echelon of our schedule." Freshman quarterback Chris Rix seems to have finally settled into his role as Chris Weinke's successor. He threw four touchdown passes in last week's 41-27 victory at Clemson and has nine TDs in the last two games. Rix, who completed 19-of-30 passes for 369 yards against the Tigers, leads the ACC in passing efficiency and ranks sixth nationally (164.9). "He's cutting down on his mistakes," Bowden said. "When you have people with talent, you just want to cut down on mistakes." Sophomore tailback Greg Jones rushed for a career-high 160 yards against Clemson and has averaged 102 yards on the ground in the last three games. Two Florida State receivers also had career days last week. Javon Walker caught six passes for 162 yards and Talman Gardner also grabbed six for 155 yards. North Carolina State (5-3, 3-3) is coming off a 55-31 victory at Duke. The Wolfpack have won two straight and need to win one of their remaining three games to become bowl eligible. Ray Robinson rushed for 104 yards and scored two touchdowns against Duke, but the Wolfpack were disappointing on defense and that could spell big trouble against Florida State. Duke's D Bryant completed 31-for-53 pases for 400 yards and two touchdowns.
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