T.J. Yates has long known every throw will be scrutinized, every read questioned and every mistake criticized simply because he's the quarterback.

But having something thrown at him as he walked off the field in his own stadium? That's something new.

Consider it the latest chapter in a frustrating season for Yates and North Carolina, a team that's gone from nationally ranked to flirting with a bowl-less season.

The junior said Monday someone threw a coin or pin that hit him in the helmet after the Tar Heels blew an 18-point second-half lead and lost to Florida State 30-27 in the first Thursday night home game in program history. That capped a night in which Yates threw for just 64 yards and tossed a key interception.

Yates understands fans are frustrated with the season-long struggles of the Tar Heels' offense. Heck, he's right there with them. But he won't dwell on the criticism as he heads into this week's trip to No. 14 Virginia Tech for a second straight nationally televised Thursday night game.

"It's hard not to hear about all that stuff," he said of angry fans screaming at him as he left the field after the FSU loss. "But I try to do my best to just kind of block it out because it doesn't really matter."

To be sure, there have been plenty of reasons to get frustrated with the Tar Heels (4-3, 0-3 Atlantic Coast Conference).

With three wideouts gone to the NFL - including first-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks - Yates has been throwing to inexperienced receivers, working behind a patchwork offensive line and playing several games without the support of an effective running attack. The high points - such as when Yates directed a comeback win at Connecticut in Week 2 - have been overshadowed by his struggles in ACC games, where he's completed 49 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and five interceptions.

Yates, who won the starting job as a freshman in Butch Davis' first season, is averaging 112 yards passing in the three league losses. Yet his teammates still believe in him, voting him a permanent offensive team captain for the rest of the year.

"I feel like he needs more guys around him ... to just give him a place to go with the ball," receiver Greg Little said. "It's not T.J.'s fault. I feel there's some things as a whole offense to better his situation."

Davis said Yates' biggest mistake against Florida State came in the third quarter when he threw an interception near the goal line, with the Tar Heels leading 24-13. On the next play, FSU's Christian Ponder connected with Rod Owens for a 98-yard touchdown that sparked the Seminoles' comeback.

"Just sometimes the better part of valor is to make wide and prudent decisions," Davis said. "As much as you'd like to go for the knockout blow, the big play, the explosive play, you just can't force it."

Yates is eager to put that moment - and the first three ACC games - behind him.

"I've definitely played better in the past and didn't put everything out there on film that I've really liked," he said. "We still have the ability to throw the ball deep and downfield. We've just got to take advantage of that when it's put in front of us. I definitely believe I can play a lot better."