Under Stockstill and Sims, Seminoles Have Learned to Win Again

In the last six days, Florida State (5-5) has won two consecutive road games under interim head coach Rick Stockstill and interim defensive coordinator Ernie Sims.

This is the same team that suffered for 1,078 days without a road victory. Florida State was 0-12 on the road since the 2024 season under former head coach Mike Norvell.

Change is a scary thing, and most are hesitant to embrace it. In the case of Florida State football, change has been a good thing.

Now on a two-game winning streak, a coaching change has reminded the Seminoles what it feels like to win football games.

Stockstill has brought his passion for Florida State to the sideline. That passion is fueled by playing quarterback for the Seminoles under the legendary Bobby Bowden from 1977-1981.

That passion, along with Stockstill’s emotion about what it means to play at Florida State has shown in the team’s play on the field in those road victories at Boston College and now Pitt.

A Florida State guy, Stockstill has shown the persona of a riverboat gambler since he took over head coaching duties.

Like Bowden back in his day, Stockstill dialed up some trickery against Boston College.

The Seminoles line up for a field goal attempt. But the holder flipped the ball backward over his head to kicker Gabe Panikowski, who caught the ball and ran it in for a touchdown.

That play changed the momentum of the game and gave Florida State a confidence boost.

Against Pittsburgh Friday night, the Seminoles brought that confidence to bare against a Panthers team that had won six games at that point and had a tough defense.

The defense, coached by the former Florida State linebacker Sims, was ready to show off their skills as well.

Florida State held Pitt to 306 yards of total offense. Pitt had gained 400+ yards in each of its two previous games.

The 10 points scored by the Panthers were the fewest scored by Pitt all season.

After rushing for 281 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Georgia Tech the previous week, the Seminoles held Pitt to 149 yards on the ground and no touchdowns.

In the two road wins, Florida State has recorded three sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

With the fiery Sims shouting instructions from the sideline, the Seminoles defense has played inspired football in the last two contests.

With the final two games of the season at home at Doak Campbell Stadium, a fired-up Florida State fan base will be loud and proud as their beloved Seminoles exit the tunnel.

The tomahawk chop and the war chant will be the intimidation factor.

That is what Stockstill, Sims and the Seminoles need to continue their winning ways, this time in front of a grateful and supportive home crowd.