FSU football: Strong second half propels Noles past Pittsburgh

FSU football (9-0, 7-0 ACC) remained undefeated with a strong second half against the Pitt Panthers (2-7, 1-4 ACC) with a 24-7 win.

FSU played the game without its top two wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson. The offense reflected their absence, only scoring 10 points in the first half before scoring 14 points in the third quarter.

FSU moved the ball well in the first half and had 297 yards of offense. However, a Lawrance Toafili fumble on FSU’s first possession and a turnover on downs inside the Pitt 10-yard line were costly. The FSU defense was excellent in the first half but got a lucky break on a busted play in the secondary.

Fentrell Cypress chased down the Pitt receiver and stripped the ball just before he crossed the goal line and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchback. FSU led 10-7 at halftime.

FSU scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions behind a Jordan Travis touchdown pass to Markeston Douglas and Trey Benson breaking loose for a 55-yard touchdown run to make it 24-7 with 1:11 remaining in the third.

The Benson touchdown seemed to take the wind out of the Pittsburgh fans as they began to hit the exits. I think both coaches were fine with that final score because both offenses seemed to be content running the ball and allowing the clock to run.

FSU could have scored near the end of the game to continue their streak of 30 points scored, but allowed the clock to run out to end the game with the backups in the game.

It was a tough and scrappy game, but FSU overcame some adversity to win on the road.

Jordan Travis had a big game through the air, completing 22 of 36 passes for 360 yards and the touchdown. Ja’Khi Douglas had six receptions for 115 yards to lead all FSU receivers. Trey Benson had 12 carries for 97 yards and the touchdown. FSU will prepare to host Miami next week in a huge rivalry game.