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3 players that deserve more playing time against Pittsburgh

These players deserve more reps.
ByTaylor Devers|
Oct 21, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Caziah Holmes (26) dives for a touchdown past Duke Blue Devils safety Jaylen Stinson (2) and linebacker Dorian Mausi (8) during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Oct 21, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Caziah Holmes (26) dives for a touchdown past Duke Blue Devils safety Jaylen Stinson (2) and linebacker Dorian Mausi (8) during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Florida State football had a difficult loss to the arch-rival Miami Hurricanes by a score of 28-22. The score might have fooled some individuals into thinking that the game was competitive, but the Seminoles had to score 19 fourth-quarter points as they trailed 28-3.

It was a disappointing setback for a program that wanted to prove the Virginia loss was an outlier. However, it showed that Florida State has work to do. While it is promising that the team didn't give up (they did in 2024), that isn't the standard in Tallahassee. The expectation is to compete for conference and national championships.

This is not what Florida State fans thought would happen after they defeated Alabama in Week 1, but this is the reality of the situation of what they are working with. The Seminoles will be taking on the Pittsburgh Panthers this Saturday. Here are three players that deserve more playing time:

RB CAZIAH HOLMES

The rushing attack has been productive for the Seminoles thus far through five games, where they have averaged 295.4 rushing yards. The dynamic duo of veteran Gavin Sawchuk and youngster Ousmane Kromah has been promising, but veteran Caziah Holmes should get more burn after his two carries and 32 yards in the loss to Virginia. Maybe the former Penn State transfer will see more opportunities.

DE DEANTE MCCRAY

Florida State's defensive line has been questionable this season, as they have not been able to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, veteran transfer Deante McCray has been productive when stopping the run. He got more playing time against Miami, and I believe that McCray will build on the opportunity.

LB OMAR GRAHAM JR.

The linebacker rotation has been a mess, but there has been a bright spot with Blake Nichelson and Omar Graham Jr. The former Stranahan High School standout has been someone with a high motor that is instinctual. However, Graham Jr. has not gotten the opportunities when it comes to the snap count. Given that the Seminoles are trying anything and everything to stop opposing offenses, you would have to think the veteran is someone that they could lean on.

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