Depleted FSU struggles during blowout loss

Quick start evaporates against resilient Panthers

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State struggled once again despite a bye week to rest, recover and prepare, falling 41-17 to the Pittsburgh Panthers Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.

FSU (2-5, 1-5 ACC) ran the ball exceptionally during the first half in front of a limited home crowd, putting up13 points on Pittsburgh in the first quarter. Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis rushed for 88 yards, helping his team earn a 14-3 advantage.

“We got off to a good early start. We were able to establish a good run,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “I thought our defense came out and played with a lot of energy.”

Pittsburgh (4-4, 3-4 ACC) did not let the Seminoles’ run last too long, picking apart FSU on offense and defense. The Panthers scored three touchdowns in the first half, earning a 24-17 halftime advantage.

FSU could not respond and was unable to score in the second half, watching Pittsburgh pull away for the blowout win.

Norvell continues to highlight the promising signs from his team, but he acknowledged there is still much work to do.

“I thought the approach that they brought in the bye week, the way they’re working to prepare, we just have to do a better job with the execution,” he said.

Travis went 12-of-21 passing for 106 yards and rushed for 83 yards, scoring one touchdown for the Seminoles.

However, Travis suffered an injury and the Seminoles struggled to find another quarterback capable of moving the ball against a determined Pittsburgh defense.

Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett went 21-of-27 passing for 210 yards.

The FSU defense was heavily depleted due to injuries, with star defensive line man Marvin Wilson joining others sidelined for the game.

“It’s pretty difficult,” FSU defensive end Janarius Robinson said. “Defense … we got put in a tough position. We just have to respond when put in a tough position and come out on top.”

Players suggested there were some bright moments, but eight penalties for a loss of 57 yards and missed tackles as the defense began to tire were too much to overcome.

The Seminoles will try to get back on track when they face NC State on Nov. 14.