Seminoles’ Thomas and Daniels to be Challenged by Pitt Defense

The Florida State Seminoles (4-5) got their first road win in 12 tries with a 31-24 victory over Boston College Saturday.

On a short week of game prep, the Seminoles are preparing for another road trip, this time to Pittsburgh (6-3). The Panthers are coming off a 34-11 win over Georgia Tech.

Florida State has suffered many injuries, especially in the running back room. Ousmane Kromah and Sam Singleton Jr. are lost for the season. Tre Wisner is nursing a nagging injury.

Freshman Amari Thomas had a breakout game against Boston College, rushing for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

Another rushing touchdown against BC of the game came on a perfectly executed fake field goal and touchdown run by kicker Gabe Panikowski.

The play gave the Seminoles a 21-17 lead at half-time.

Thomas and Daniels are really the only “healthy” options available in the run game for Florida State.

So far this season, the Seminoles have averaged 169 yards rushing per game.

Against Pittsburgh, the Seminoles’ rushing offense will be challenged by a stingy defense that does not take too kindly to opponents gaining positive yardage running the football.

Through nine games, the Panthers have allowed 615 total rushing yards and an average of 68 yards rushing per game.

Pittsburgh has allowed less than 100 yards rushing in six games this season, and has allowed opponents more than three yards per carry only twice.

Coach Rick Stockstill and offensive coordinator Tim Harris, Jr. will have to scheme plays equally between the run and the pass to keep the Seminoles balanced.

Jet sweeps to Michai Danzy to stretch out the Pitt defense may be the order of the day.

Pittsburgh has beaten Florida State in two of the last three meetings, and owns a 7-5 record over the Seminoles.

The Panthers defense also has stacked up the negative plays this season. They rank in the top 20 nationally in sacks (25) and tackles for loss (61).

Against Georgia Tech, the Panthers recorded five sacks and 10 tackles in their win over Georgia Tech. That win broke a three-game losing streak after a 5-0 start.

Florida State rushed for 202 yards against Boston College. It was the first time they rushed for 100+ yards in a game since they rushed for 138 yards in the double overtime loss to Miami.

Pittsburgh is a -3.5-point home favorite over Florida State Friday night. .