Florida State Looks to Break Losing Streak Against Pittsburgh This Weekend

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The 25th-ranked Florida State Seminoles will host the Pittsburgh Panthers in a vital Atlantic Coast Conference matchup on Saturday at noon ET.

Florida State (3-2, 0-2 ACC) seeks to snap a two-game losing streak, while Pittsburgh (3-2, 1-1 ACC) aims to build on its dominant 48-7 victory over Boston College last week.

Florida State is coming off a 28-22 loss to Miami, where the team struggled offensively until a late-game rally. The Seminoles are now 3-1 at home this season and sit 16th in the conference standings.

Pittsburgh’s recent loss to West Virginia has not overshadowed their recent strong performances, including the win against Boston College. The Panthers are currently tied for sixth in the ACC, with a 0-1 record on the road this year.

Kickoff will take place at Doak Campbell Stadium, with Florida State favored by 10 points. The over/under for total points scored is set at 57.5, according to SportsLine.

Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos has shown promise, throwing for 1,120 yards and six touchdowns this season. However, he threw two interceptions against Miami, raising concerns about his form.

Pittsburgh’s freshman quarterback, Mason Heintschel, is off to a strong start, having thrown for 323 yards and four touchdowns in his debut against Boston College. This matchup will mark the first road start for Heintschel, as he looks to build on his impressive debut.

Florida State is keen on improving its running game after struggling against Miami, particularly after a key injury to running back Micah Pettus. The team is also focusing on revitalizing its offense to better support standout receiver Duce Robinson, who leads the Seminoles with 433 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Pittsburgh’s defense has been solid this season, allowing 19.6 points per game. The outcome of Saturday’s game may heavily hinge on how well Florida State can adapt offensively, especially against a formidable Pittsburgh defense.

The all-time series is close, with Pittsburgh leading 6-5. This game is seen as crucial for both teams as they navigate the challenges of conference play.