By Darin 
For three seasons, the Florida State Seminoles had been the untouchable rulers of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since joining the league in 1992, Bobby Bowden’s program had strung together an astonishing 29 consecutive ACC victories, a streak that crushed the spirits of rivals. But on a chilly night—November 2, 1995—the No. 2 Seminoles rolled into Charlottesville, Virginia, unprepared for the history the No. 24 Virginia Cavaliers were about to make. The ensuing contest wasn’t just a win; it was a watershed moment decided by inches, fueled by a legendary performance, and capped by one of college football’s most dramatic goal-line stands.
Cavs Roll Noles 03 Nov 1995, Fri Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia) Newspapers.com
Tiki Barber’s Night of Heroics
The Cavaliers knew they needed a perfect performance to unseat the dynasty, and they got it from one man: running back Tiki Barber. Barber delivered a spectacular, career-defining game that touched every facet of the offense and special teams:
- Rushing: He amassed 193 rushing yards, punishing the FSU defense all night.
- Receiving: He added 45 receiving yards through the air.
- Special Teams: Barber even chipped in with 73 yards on six punt returns.
Barber’s relentless effort kept Virginia in the fight, leading the Cavaliers to a hard-fought 33-28 lead in the final minutes.
The Inches That Defined a Dynasty
Despite Virginia’s control, Florida State—led by future NFL star running back Warrick Dunn—mounted a ferocious final drive. As the clock ticked down to zero, the Seminoles were positioned inside the five-yard line.
Warrick Dunn Nov 2, 1995 03 Nov 1995, Fri The Roanoke Times (Roanoke, Virginia) Newspapers.com
With time expired and FSU inches from a miraculous, streak-saving touchdown, the Virginia defense executed the ultimate goal-line stand. They stuffed Dunn just short of the end zone, preserving the 33-28 victory and delivering the Seminoles their first-ever loss as a member of the ACC. The dramatic finish ignited chaos in Scott Stadium as fans stormed the field, celebrating not just a win but the downfall of an invincible streak.
Future Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker James Farrior got in on the Cavalier action by blocking an FSU punt.
The Significance of the Upset
The 1995 upset of the No. 2 Florida State Seminoles was seismic. It validated Virginia football on a national stage and proved that the ACC was not a single-team league. More than just ending FSU’s 29-game conference win streak, the game serves as an iconic example of how history can turn on a single play, highlighting the brutal elegance and drama that define college football.