Seminoles OC Harris Should Take Advantage of Pitt Pass Defense

Florida State offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. has an opportunity to scheme the next road victory for the Seminoles.

Against Pittsburgh, the Seminoles should attack the Panthers via the forward pass.

Why? Because Pittsburgh is one of the worst teams in college football in pass defense. They have allowed 252 yards per game, which is bad enough for No. 123 nationally.

The Panthers do have nine interceptions on the season, which is the second most in the ACC.

Seven Pittsburgh defenders have at least one interception, led by Raion Strader and his three picks. 

However, in their last two games, they have zero interceptions and have given up four touchdown passes.

As a team, the Panthers have allowed 2,273 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.

For the Seminoles, quarterback Ashton Daniels will try to take advantage of the Panthers pass defense.

To do that successfully, Daniels needs to throw to receivers with the same jersey as him.

Daniels has thrown 12 interceptions this season, and at least one interception in eight of his nine games played.

With Michai Danzy, Jayvan Boggs and Jasen Lopez, Daniels has the weapons to pick apart the Panthers pass defense. However, ball security has to be of paramount importance.

In losses to both Alabama and Clemson, he threw three interceptions.

Daniels has thrown multiple-touchdown passes five times this season. However, in their win over Boston College, he did not throw a touchdown pass but did throw an interception.

Against the Eagles, Daniels threw for 178 yards and completed 57 percent of his passes.

For the season, Daniels has passed for 2,146 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has completed 59 percent of his passes, and has averaged 238 yards per game through the air.

The offensive line must give Daniels a clean pocket. However, Daniels must trust what he sees downfield and not just take off running.

Danzy has the speed to blow past any of Pitt’s defenders. Harris and Daniels need to take advantage of that.

Daniels posted a season-high four touchdown passes in the overtime loss to Miami. The Seminoles need the version of Daniels from that Miami game to shred the Pittsburgh pass defense.

Harris needs to draw up plays for Danzy to use his speed to get behind the Panthers defense for explosive plays.

Pittsburgh has won two of the last three meetings against Florida State. The Seminoles have the momentum and now the confidence to win on the road against the Panthers.

Daniels and his receivers need to go out and execute the passing offense, just as Harris drew it up.

Maybe coach Rick Stockstill (channeling his inner-Bowden) and Harris can install a “pass rooskie” play this week.