Pittsburgh vs Florida State: Game Overview

This Saturday, October 11, 2025, the Pittsburgh Panthers (3-2, 1-1 ACC) travel to Tallahassee to face the No. 25 Florida State Seminoles (3-2, 0-2 ACC) at Doak Campbell Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on ESPN. ESPN.com + 2 AP News + 2

Florida State enters on a two-game losing streak in ACC action and is eager to rebound at home. SI+4SI+4 https://www.wctv.tv+4 Meanwhile, Pitt is coming off an impressive blowout win and brings some offensive momentum. Covers.com +3247Sports+3247Sports+3

Bookmakers currently favor Florida State by about 10.5 points. SI+4AP News+4 Covers.com+4 The over/under is set near 57.5. FOX Sports 1

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Team Strengths, Weaknesses & Key Matchups

Florida State

Strengths:

• Explosive offense: Florida State is averaging over 560 yards of total offense per game, ranking among the top in FBS. AP News + 2SI + 2

• Strong rushing attack: Their ground game is a major asset, putting pressure on opposing defenses. 247Sports+4AP News+4 FOX Sports+4

Weaknesses/Concerns:

• Injuries: Starting offensive lineman Micah Pettus and wide receiver Squirrel White are ruled out for Saturday. SI+3 Tomahawk Nation + 3 Tomahawk Nation + 3

• Defensive depth: Cornerback Quindarrius Jones is out for the season, weakening the defensive backfield. Tomahawk Nation

• Turnovers & consistency: QB Tommy Castellanos has shown flashes but also struggles with turnovers. SI+2SI+2

Pittsburgh

Strengths:

• Passing potential: Freshman QB Mason Heintschel made a strong impression in his first start, throwing for 323 yards and 4 TDs. 247Sports

• Defensive run stopping: Pitt gives up very little on the ground, putting pressure on opponents to beat them through the air. Covers.com+2247Sports+2

Weaknesses/Challenges:

• Injuries: The Panthers have multiple players listed out, including DB Rashan Murray. SI

• Inexperience: The freshman quarterback is untested on the road, and adapting to pressure situations could be a challenge. 247Sports+2247Sports+2

Key Matchups to Watch

1. FSU rushing attack vs. Pitt run defense
   If Florida State can establish its ground game, it could control tempo and open up play-action. Pitt’s rush defense will need to hold strong.

2. Pitt’s passing offense vs. FSU secondary
   With injuries in FSU’s defensive backfield, Pitt may exploit mismatches in the passing game.

3. Turnovers & momentum shifts
   In close games, one interception or fumble swing can change everything. Both teams will want to protect the football.

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Injury Reports & Status Updates

• FSU: Micah Pettus, Squirrel White, and Jayvon Boggs are out. Others, like Randy Pittman, Ashlynd Barker, and Caleb LaVallee, are questionable. SI+3 Tomahawk Nation + 3 Tomahawk Nation + 3

• Pitt: Multiple defensive backs and linemen are unavailable. Rashan Murray is listed out. SI

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Predictions & Betting Insights

• Covers.com expects Pittsburgh to at least cover the 10.5-point spread. Covers.com

• Fox Sports leans toward Florida State winning and covering the spread, predicting a high-scoring affair. FOX Sports

• 247Sports analysis frames this as a bounce-back opportunity for FSU. 247Sports+3247Sports+3SI+3

My take (blog prediction):
FSU, at home, is too dangerous when firing on all cylinders. But with the injuries and Pittsburgh’s passing potential, I expect a tight game. I’ll predict something like

Florida State 35, Pittsburgh 28

I’d lean toward FSU covering the −10.5, but not by much. Over 57.5 is plausible if both offenses click.

Final Score: Florida State 38, Pittsburgh 27

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida State Seminoles bounced back in a big way, taking down the Pittsburgh Panthers 38–27 in a fast-paced ACC clash at Doak Campbell Stadium. After two straight conference losses, the Seminoles regained rhythm behind QB Tommy Castellanos, who threw for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The win improves Florida State to 4-2 (1-2 ACC), while Pittsburgh drops to 3-3 (1-2 ACC).

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Game Summary

Florida State opened strong, scoring on their first two possessions. Running back Rodney Hill powered through with 112 rushing yards and a score, while Castellanos connected with Ja’Khi Douglas and Deuce Spann for touchdowns.

Pittsburgh’s young quarterback Mason Heintschel showed promise again, throwing for 285 yards and 2 touchdowns, but costly interceptions in the second half turned momentum back to the Seminoles.

Despite trailing 28-10 in the third quarter, Pitt rallied behind WR Bub Means, who caught 8 passes for 103 yards. However, Florida State’s defense held firm, sealing the game with a late interception by Renardo Green.

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Key Performances

• FSU QB Tommy Castellanos: 21/32, 276 YDS, 3 TDs

• FSU RB Rodney Hill: 18 CAR, 112 YDS, 1 TD

• PITT QB Mason Heintschel: 24/39, 285 YDS, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

• PITT WR Bub Means: 8 REC, 103 YDS, 1 TD

• FSU Defense: 3 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 forced fumble

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Turning Point

Midway through the 4th quarter, with Pitt trailing 31–27, Florida State’s defensive end Patrick Payton strip-sacked Heintschel, setting up a short touchdown drive. That score pushed the lead to 38–27 and effectively ended Pitt’s comeback hopes.

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Post-Game Reactions

FSU Coach Mike Norvell praised his team’s resilience:

“We responded the right way after two tough weeks. The energy, the execution — this is who we are when we play our brand of football.”

Pitt Coach Pat Narduzzi acknowledged missed chances:

“We had opportunities, but mistakes against a team like Florida State will cost you. I’m proud of our fight, but we’ve got to clean up execution.”

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Next Games

• Florida State: travels to face Duke next Saturday.

• Pittsburgh hosts Boston College in Week 8.

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📊 Game Stats Overview

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Final Thoughts

Florida State’s victory restores confidence in Tallahassee after a shaky start to conference play. With key players returning from injury soon, the Seminoles could make a strong mid-season push.

Pitt, on the other hand, showed encouraging flashes on offense but must address turnovers before hosting Boston College next week.