The second game of interim coach Rick Stockstill's run with Florida State is just days away, as the Seminoles will hit the road once again. After playing in Chestnut Hill last week, Florida State will spend Week 11 in Pittsburgh for a game against the Panthers on November 13.
Stockstill managed to lead the team to an exciting road win last time out against Boston College after pulling away from the Eagles late in the game. It might not have been the prettiest win, but Stockstill got the important task of getting Florida State back in the win column during his first game in the interim role.
The win was great to see after the tumultuous losing streak and the firing of coach Mike Norvell, as the morale surrounding the program and the fanbase was down. However, Stockstill can't let the excitement of winning against the Eagles disrupt the preparations for the Panthers, as Pitt is a talented team.
There is a lot of work for Stockstill to do with Florida State entering the contest as slight underdogs against the home team.
Florida State vs. Pittsburght Week 11 odds, spread, and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Pitt -162
- FSU +136
Spread
- Pitt -3.5 (-105)
- FSU +3.5 (-115)
Total
- 53.5 (over -110/under -110)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change
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Last week, Florida State was the favorite on the road against Boston College despite the road losing streak. Now, even with the win, the Seminoles still have work to do before the team will be able to sniff being a road favorite. It is a tough thing to do as the home team is often the favorite, which means more wins are needed before earning that.
The Panthers may have a 6-3 record at the moment, but both teams have gone 2-3 in the last five games. Pitt lost to North Carolina, Boston College, and Miami, but defeated Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. The win over Virginia Tech and the loss to North Carolina are the two most notable results, and the Seminoles will need to pull from both to secure the win.
North Carolina also entered Acrisure Stadium as an underdog, but defeated Pitt by outlasting the team and making fewer mistakes. The Panthers have been without starting quarterback Mason Heintschel, and Holden Geriner and Corey Dailey have been filling the void. Geriner is the starter without Heintschel in the mix, but he hasn't played very well this season.
Geriner tossed two interceptions against the Tar Heels while attempting 44 passes, which ultimately led to the loss. The quarterback has been put on a tighter leash since then, and the Panthers are likely looking to avoid having to attempt 40 or more passes a game moving forward. Geriner did not throw an interception in the last two games against Miami and Georgia Tech, but he struggled to avoid pressure and make the correct reads.
Florida State is in the same situation North Carolina was previously in, and the path to victory will go through the defense. If the Seminoles can get to Geriner and force him to make mistakes, the offense will have more chances at generating momentum.
The defense certainly needs to make stops since offense could be hard to come by for the Seminoles against a tough Pitt defense. The Panthers have had some struggles this season, but their defense has been one of the best in the ACC. Opponents are recording 19.8 points per game while being held to just 68.3 yards per game.
The easiest avenue to success on offense will be through the air, as the Panthers have one of the worst pass defenses in the conference. With an average of 252.6 passing yards allowed per game, Pitt is in the same territory as Miami who Ashton Daniels recorded 298 yards and four touchdowns against.
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