FSU Football Beats Pitt 16-10: The Good, the Ugly and One Win From Bowl Eligibility

Defense secures road victory

Florida State’s final road game of the season was a close defensive contest. The Seminoles limited Pitt enough to win 16-10, despite allowing 306 total yards. Linebacker Chris Jones paced FSU with seven tackles before a targeting penalty disqualified him. Omar Graham, Jr. stepped up late, and the Seminoles finished in victory formation. Safety Ashlynd Barker, linebacker Caleb LaVallee and defensive back CJ Richard each recorded six tackles.

Pitt freshman quarterback Corey Dailey showed arm strength and accuracy, but his receivers dropped passes. Florida State’s defense, led by interim defensive coordinator Ernie Sims, kept pressure on him through much of the game.

Lopez and Panikowski contribute

Wide receiver Jasen Lopez led Florida State with 72 yards on five catches. One reception covered a career-long 46 yards. Kicker Gabe Panikowski made field goals from 37, 27 and 47 yards, supplying nine points in the close game. Daniel Hughes averaged 41 yards per punt and pinned Pitt inside its own two-yard line with a late punt.

Turnovers keep Pitt close

Quarterback Ashton Daniels completed 67% of his passes and threw for 163 yards on 24 attempts. He did not throw an interception, but lost a fumble after a 12-yard run in Pitt territory late in the fourth quarter, giving the Panthers a chance to take the lead.

Daniels has 12 interceptions this season, the most in the country, and the fumble added another turnover. His passing decisions were more responsible than in recent weeks, but Florida State did not put the game away when it had the chance. Thomas also nearly lost the ball twice; offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin made a heads-up play to prevent one possible turnover.

Bowl eligibility remains in reach

The win was interim head coach Rick Stockstill’s second and ended a road losing drought that had lasted since the end of 2023. Florida State is now one win away from bowl eligibility.

The Seminoles have NC State and the Florida Gators remaining at home. They are scheduled to face NC State on Saturday, November 21, at 3:30 p.m. ET.