3 players on the Seminoles' defense that can set the tone against Pittsburgh

These players need to make their presence known.
Sep 26, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) passes the ball as Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. (6) chases in the first overtime period at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Sep 26, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) passes the ball as Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. (6) chases in the first overtime period at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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DE AMAREE WILLIAMS

Florida State's defense decided to take away Miami's ability to run the football after allowing Virginia's J'Mari Taylor to have 27 carries for 99 yards and one touchdown. They did a better job last Saturday, where they allowed 32 attempts for 98 yards total in the game.

This didn't escape the fact that the Seminoles couldn't get much pressure on quarterback Carson Beck, who exposed the Florida State defense. This was unfortunate because Beck is a veteran, but he tends to make reckless decisions in the passing game at times.

The fan base has analyzed the fact that the Seminoles' defense isn't getting much pressure on the quarterbacks from their defensive line. As we know, in the 2023 season, they had a productive defensive line, such as Jared Verse, Joshua Farmer, Braden Fiske, and Patrick Payton.

The coaching staff decided to move tight end Amaree Williams over to defensive end (where they originally recruited him). The change with limiting James Williams is a choice that the Seminoles help play better in a situational role. Williams could carve a real role in this defense on Saturday to pressure the true freshman quarterback.

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