The #18 Florida State Seminoles proved to be one of UNI's toughest match-ups this season. UNI started down 14-0 in the first quarter and the special teams allowed not one, but two and almost three kickoff returns for touchdowns. The very first play of the game, Florida State would almost run the kickoff back for a touchdown had it not been for some amazing blocking by the REFEREE to help slow down WR Frye and allow a Panther to tackle him. There were a record number of ties in this game with five different times the score was tied. UNI took the lead with 4:28 left in the third quarter and would never allow Florida State to re-take the lead again. Pelini had said that if a touchdown was allowed in this game that he was going to be making some line-up changes on kickoffs.
HB Steve Jackson had an outstanding game rushing for 433 yards and five touchdowns. Something that was weird was aftat that amazing game, Jackson was left off of the Heisman watch list after being ranked at #3 the previous week.
UNI pulled off a great victory with little defense and special teams help, 52-42.