FSU FOOTBALL
Florida State football has lost its third game of the season, as it fell to Pittsburgh by a score of 34-31 on Saturday. This is not the result that the Seminole fan base wants to see after its embarrassing 2-10 season in 2024.
Last year was an utter embarrassment, and everyone wants to see the Seminoles turn the page and get in the right direction. After the season-opening victory over Alabama, it made fans think that Florida State was a College Football Playoff contender.
Then, individuals were quickly reminded that Florida State still has work to do, with three straight losses to Virginia, Miami, and Pittsburgh. While they were one-possession games, it didn't look like the Seminoles could get in a consistent groove.
THOMAS CASTELLANOS
Quarterback Thomas Castellanos made headlines in the offseason, as his comments about how "Nick Saban couldn't save Alabama" had the mainstream media talking. When the Seminoles won, the spotlight was on Florida State to deliver.
The expectations were at an all-time high. The signal-caller had 230 total yards and one touchdown against the Crimson Tide, and looked to build off the confidence for the rest of the year. However, Castellanos got rolled up on during the first half against Kent State.
It was encouraging to see the quarterback run out of the tunnel after the scare. However, he looks like a different signal-caller now, as he has completed 59 of his 100 passes for 771 yards and six touchdowns with four interceptions.
That isn't horrible passing numbers from Castellanos, but there were times when he had opportunities to keep the football and potentially get first downs against Pittsburgh and decided to hand it to the running back instead. He only had eight carries for 12 yards against the Panthers.
His running ability is what makes him the most dangerous as a quarterback. Without the threat of running much, the opposing defenses can sit back in coverage and force him to make some intermediate-level throws. This isn't his strong suit. He is better when the offense is establishing the ground game and throwing 15–20 times per day with extending plays with his legs.
If the ankle continues to be an issue, it could cause problems with the Seminoles' efficiency in moving the football.