Pitt-Florida State Preview: Betting Odds, Channel & More
After responding with a resounding win over Boston College a week ago with true freshman Mason Heintschel at quarterback, Pitt looks to make it two in a row on the road at No. 25 Florida State.
This is the 12th all-time meeting between the two programs with the Panthers holding a 6-5 edge on the Seminoles. FSU won the last matchup 24-7 in 2023.
Pitt Outlook
Pitt got itself in the win column in conference after defeating Boston College 48-7. The Panthers now hold a 3-2 overall record and are 1-1 in the ACC.
Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt staff made a change at quarterback and went with Heintschel, who had thrown just four career passes at that point.
Heintschel looked like a seasoned veteran, looking poised in the pocket, making the correct reads, using his feet when necessary and then protecting the ball. He completed 30-of-41 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns.
Six different Panthers scored against Boston College with tight end Justin Holmes, wide receivers Kenny Johnson, Zion Fowler-El, Deuce Spann and running backs Juelz Goff and Ja’Kyrian Turner on the ground.
Pitt has scored 41.0 points per game on offense — 12th in that nation — and 423 total yards of offense per game.
The Panthers ground game took a step forward against BC with 172 yards as Turner ran for 67 yards and Goff added 59 yards in the absence of starter Desmond Reid. It was the second game Reid missed, but he is expected back against FSU.
Raphael Williams leads Pitt’s receiving corps with 320 yards and four touchdowns on 18 receptions. Johnson has hauled in a team-high 21 passes for 292 yards and two scores.
Defensively, Pitt has put together one of the past run defenses in the country. The Panthers are holding teams to 64.6 yards per game — second-best in the nation. The Panthers also average 3.2 sacks per game and 9.4 tackles for loss — third-highest in the FBS.
Linebacker Rasheem Biles leads the Pitt defense with 45 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception and two pass breakups.
Pitt will be without several key contributors as starting left tackle Jeff Persi, starting defensive end Blaine Spires, backup defensive ends Zach Crothers and Joey Zelinsky are all out as of Thursday night.
Florida State
HEAD COACH
Mike Norvell (6th season – 10th season overall)
Norvell is two years removed from nearly leading the Seminoles into the College Football Playoff. In 2023, FSU moved flawlessly through the regular season with a 12-0 record. However, starting quarterback Jordan Travis suffered an injury and a tight ACC championship victory held the Seminoles out of the playoff.
Last season, it was a total reversal as FSU compiled a lowly 2-10 record.
FLORIDA STATE PREVIEW
Florida State started off the 2025 campaign with a bang by defeating Alabama 31-17 at home.
The Seminoles put together three wins to open the season, but have since dropped two in a row with a 46-38 overtime loss at Virginia and a 28-22 setback against Miami last week at home.
FSU is led by Boston College transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos. He has thrown for 1,120 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also been a key factor in the run game with 274 yards and four touchdowns.
The Seminoles boast a top-five offense in several categories, including scoring with 46.8 points per game (5th), total offense with 560.8 yards per game (3rd) and rushing with 295.4 yards per game (2nd).
During four of its five games this season, FSU has rushed for more than 230 yards, including 498 against Kent State.
The Seminoles have a bevy of tail backs that can tote the rock. Leading the way has been redshirt junior Gavin Sawchuk with 281 yards and six touchdowns on 53 attempts (5.3 yards per carry). Ousmane Kromah is the second-leading running back with 34 carries for 197 yards. Micahi Danzy and Samuel Singleton Jr. have also surpassed 160 rushing yards each and both have recorded three touchdowns.
In the receiving game, 6-foot-6 Duce Robinson has been the top target with 23 receptions for 433 yards and three touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, FSU has held teams to 20.8 points per game, which is tied-48th in the country.
Earl Little Jr. leads that unit with 35 tackles, one tackle for loss, an interception and a pass breakup. Ashlynd Barker leads the Seminoles with two sacks, while Darrell Jackson Jr. and Blake Nichelson both have racked up three tackles for loss.
Spread
Pitt is a 10-point road underdog, according to Bet MGM. Pitt is +300 on the Money line and the over/under is set at 57.5.
Game Time
Pitt and Florida State is set to kick off Saturday at noon EST at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla..
TV
Pitt vs. Florida State can be found on ESPN with Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) and Taylor McGregor (reporter) calling the game.
Radio
Pitt vs. FSU will be live on 93.7 The Fan as well with Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play), Pat Bostick (analyst), Dorin Dickerson (sideline) and Larry Richert (sideline) calling the action.
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