Florida State Game Day: Depleted Backfield Faces Pitt Test

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Florida State Seminoles bid to build on last week’s road victory will come with little room to absorb another injury.

The Seminoles listed 13 players out on Friday’s game-day availability report ahead of their 7 p.m. matchup with Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium. Three running backs remain unavailable, receiver Duce Robinson is out, and kickoff specialist Conor McAneney is now a game-time decision.

For a team trying to reach .500, the report puts the spotlight on players already being asked to carry more responsibility.

Florida State enters at 4-5 after beating Boston College 31-24. Another victory would give the Seminoles consecutive road wins and keep them moving toward bowl eligibility, but their offensive depth faces a significant test against the Panthers. 

The most pressing concern is the backfield. Quintrevion Wisner, Samuel Singleton Jr. and Ousmane Kromah are all ruled out, leaving freshman Amari Thomas positioned for another workload alongside quarterback Ashton Daniels.

Thomas supplied the decisive moments at Boston College, rushing for a career-high 98 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. His 11-yard scoring run with 2:29 remaining finished a 90-yard drive and gave Florida State the winning margin.

That performance earned him ACC Rookie of the Week honors. Friday brings a different challenge: producing when the opponent knows how few experienced alternatives Florida State has available.

Pitt has allowed approximately 68 rushing yards per game and just 2.24 yards per carry. Sustaining drives will require more than asking Thomas to repeat last week’s breakout. Daniels’ mobility and timely production through the air could help prevent the Panthers from concentrating on the freshman. 

Robinson’s absence leaves another established option unavailable. Jayvan Boggs, Micahi Danzy and Jasen Lopez remain important targets as Florida State looks for enough balance to avoid predictable passing situations.

There is more encouraging news on defense, with the linebacker group that should help slow a Pitt ground attack.

Linebackers Blake Nichelson and Caleb LaVallee, along with defensive back K.J. Kirkland, were listed as probable in the earlier report. None appears on Friday’s game-day list.

Their removal provides a more favorable availability picture, but does not establish starting assignments or guarantee a particular workload.

Florida State still has defensive absences.

Defensive backs Quindarrius Jones, Karson Hobbs and Jamari Howard are out, as are linebackers Izayia Williams, Daylen Green and Noah LaVallee. Defensive linemen Deante McCray and Kevin Wynn also will not play.

Offensive lineman Brady Welch-Joiner completes the list of 13 unavailable players.

McAneney represents the remaining uncertainty.

Previously listed as probable, he carries a game-time designation on the latest report. Gabe Panikowski has handled kickoffs during his absence and contributed a touchdown on a fake field goal against Boston College. 

The Seminoles found enough answers last week to overcome an early deficit and finish a close game. Friday’s assignment is to reproduce that execution with a thinner rotation against a defense equipped to challenge their rushing attack.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM Eastern on ESPN.

For Florida State, protecting possessions and getting dependable contributions from its available personnel will be central to extending that momentum.