Depleted FSU struggles during blowout loss
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 up 13 points on Pittsburgh in the first quarter. Seminoles quarterback JordanTravis 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 apartFSUon offense and defense. ThePanthers scored three touchdownsin the first half, earning a 24-17 halftime advantage.
FSUcould not respond andwas unable to score in the second half, watching Pittsburgh pull away for the blowout win.
Norvell continues to highlight the promising signs fromhis team, but he acknowledged there is still muchwork to do.
“I thought the approach that they brought in the byeweek, the way they’re working to prepare, we justhave 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 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 linemanMarvinWilson 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 respondwhenput 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 onNov. 14. determined