THE OPPONENT
Pitt comes in with an odd season themselves. They started the year 2-0, demolishing undermanned opponents by a combined 106-26. They entered the Backyard Brawl and lost in overtime to their hated rival, West Virginia. Then Pitt blew a game at home versus Louisville that would have turned their season around. Eli Holstein had a sub-60 percent completion percentage and a combined three interceptions. Last week he was benched for a freshman, Mason Heinstchel.
He did not play like a freshman against Boston College in his first start last week, going 30-41 with 323 yards and 4 touchdowns. Now it is time to bring the game on the road. Time will tell if he has last year’s first All-ACC selection running back Desmond Reid by his side, along with a few offensive linemen who have missed time.
Of course, with Pat Narduzzi at the helm, Pitt’s defense is highly rated. They rank #22 in total defense (9th in yards per play), giving up just a shade under 292 yards per game. Florida State must identify where Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles are at all times. They are not quite Reuben Bain Jr., but he can impact every play. Pitt is playing with house money coming into Tallahassee as a 10.5-point underdog.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
Florida State needs to come out tough. That means establishing the run and making the defense creep closer. Tommy Castellanos must establish rhythm early. Tommy is not a stand in the pocket and pick you apart quarterback, so even if Pitt grabs an early lead, he cannot press. He is way too experienced to fall for the traps Miami laid out last weekend. Tony White apparently knew everything Miami was doing but could not stop them. That all starts with tackling and disciplined eyes. Pitt will want to muddy up the game, but the crowd will be imperative in this freshman’s first start. Do not get caught up in emotional moments, and that starts with Norvell.
THE FINAL SPEAR
Florida State is 3-2 but more importantly 0-2 in the ACC. After last season, I think most fans would have accepted 7-5 or 8-4. After the Alabama game, Seminole Nation began to dream. There are six teams with one ACC loss at this point. The Noles play four of them, including their opponent this weekend. There are four teams with three losses in the ACC (not including FSU). The Noles play three of them. The season is not over, the margin for error just got thinner. Rivalry games can define seasons if you let them. Now is the time to refocus, get back to basics, and control what can be controlled. Namely, effort and performance. It all starts with Mike Norvell.