FSU Preview: Florida State versus Pittsburgh

On Saturday at noon on ESPN the Seminoles will host the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Pittsburgh is 3-2 this season with wins over Duquesne, Central Michigan and Boston College and losses to West Virginia and Louisville.

Florida State is 5-6 all-time versus Pittsburgh. The last time these two played was in 2023. FSU got the victory, 24-7.

Observations from the last game

With a 28-3 deficit, the ‘Noles were only being outgained by around 80 yards but 3 turnovers at critical times of the game cost FSU their chance to win. After right tackle Micah Pettus went out with an injury Florida State couldn’t get much on 1st and 2nd down forcing them into some panicky plays on 3rd down. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos played like he was trying too hard to make a play in the first 3 quarters but stayed within the offense in the 4^th. The defense played decent considering they had a tough time generating a pass rush and were put in bad field position situations.

Florida State offense versus Pittsburgh defense

The FSU offense will face another physical defense that is 4^th in the FBS against the run. The Panthers front 7 has been great this season due to their talented defensive line, led by Sean Fitzsimmons and Zach Crothers, and by a group of playmaking linebackers. Linebacker Rasheem Biles, who has 44 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, is one of those playmakers. Castellanos needs to connect with his receivers down the field to keep the safeties back. This should open the run game that the ‘Noles have been so dependent on.

Florida State defense versus Pittsburgh offense

Pittsburgh struggled on offense in the first 4 games which prompted them to go with freshman Mason Heintschel to as the starter against BC. What a difference it was as Heintschel passed for 323 yards and led the Panthers to a 48-7 victory. Receiver Kenny Johnson had 9 catches bringing his season total to 21.

Cornerback Jerry Wilson will need to play better to help slow down Pitt’s newfound passing attack. The running game for Pittsburgh has been at issue, and they have given up 11 sacks. With this in mind the FSU defensive front should have better results. If the ‘Noles defense can’t put pressure on the quarterback, it could be another big day for the opposing offense. Once again, the defensive front is looking for somebody to step up and help Darrell Jackson get pressure on the passer. We’ll see if the freshman linemen Darryll Desir, Mandrell Desir and Kevin Wynn can build off their last performance.

Special Teams

Advantage: Slight lean-to Pittsburgh

Prediction

The inconsistencies on both sides of the ball (and turnovers) have cost Florida State the last two games and I think some of those problems sneak into this game. Pittsburgh run defense is going to slow down the running backs forcing Castellanos to win the game. He does just enough.

Florida State 28 Pittsburgh 24