Florida State Rush Offense vs Pittsburgh Rush Defense
Florida State returns 4 of 5 offensive lineman and two running backs that ran for 635+ yards each with healthy 5.8 and 5.9 yards per carry. The interior of the line in particular is strong with Josue Matias, Bryan Stork, and Tre Jackson. They will be going up against a good set of starting DTs in Aaron Donald (6’0″ 285 lbs) and Tyrone Ezell (6’4″ 305). Donald in particular could challenge for All-ACC honors. There is not much depth behind them, however, so FSU should be able to wear them down as the game goes on. Linebacker play was a little susceptible last season against the run, but they are led by an experienced and solid middle linebacker in Shane Gordan (6’1″ 230). Pitt ranked 75th in the nation in S&P+ rushing defense with largely the same group. FSU should be able to run the ball effectively and take advantage in the 2nd half of Pitts lack of depth in their front 4.
Advantage: FSU
Florida State Pass Offense vs Pittsburgh Pass Defense
Pittsburgh returns 3 of 4 starters in the secondary and that group could be considered a strength of the defense. The Pitt pass defense was considerably better than the rush defense as they ranked 46th in the nation in S&P+ pass defense. Both corners, Lafayette Pitts and K’Waun Williams, return and are talented guys with possible NFL futures. Strong safety Jason Hendricks is the other returning starter and is a top safety in the country. The only newbie is Free Safety Ray Vinopal, a transfer from Michigan. Pittsburgh doesn’t get a lot of pressure on the quarterback from their ends, but they also don’t blitz much. They play a similar style that FSU fans are familiar with from Mark Stoops tenure, minus the NFL defensive ends. Unless Pitt blitzes more than they have in the past, the offensive line should give Winston time against the Pitt front 4. While the FSU receiver group led by Rashad Greene should pose a challenge to the Pitt secondary, there is too much uncertainty from what the Noles will get from RS Freshman Jameis Winston to really give FSU an advantage.
Advantage: Push
Pittsburgh Rush Offense vs Florida State Rush Defense
Pitt will feature two backs with a combined 41 carries in their career, Isaac Bennett (5’11″ 205) and Malcolm Crockett (5’10″ 205). Like the running back position, the offensive line will feature new people at every position. There are two returning starters, but both Cory King (6’6″ 325) and Matt Rotherman (6’6″ 340) have moved from the outside to the inside. While the Pitt line is massive averaging 6’6″ 315, that hasn’t translated to dominant rushing attacks in the recent past. They will face an enormous task going up against the Florida State rush defense. Based on the depth chart released for this game, the FSU defense looks to load up on the front and force Pitt to pass. FSU will start a massive front 7 that features large defensive ends and active linebackers. The Noles have been stout against the run the last several years and look to continue that trend this season.
Advantage: FSU
Pittsburgh Pass Offense vs Florida State Pass Defense
Pittsburgh starts a new quarterback for the first time in several years after Tito Sunseri graduated. Tom Savage (6’5″ 230) will take over the reigns after playing at Rutgers 3 years ago. He transferred to Arizona State but never played and will be making his first start in over 3 years. He does have an impressive receiver to throw to in Devin Street, who is more of a route runner and possession talent than a speed burner and big play man. True Freshman Tyler Boyd gets the start at the other receiver spot and was a 4 star and one of the Top 15 receivers out of high school last year. The potential is certainly there with Boyd, but he will be making his first start against a deep and talented group of defensive backs at FSU. Defensive back is arguably the strength of the FSU defense and they will be able to show multiple looks with versatile players like Lamarcus Joyner, Tyler Hunter, P.J. Willis, and Karlos Williams. The unknown is if the Noles can get pressure with their front 4 with new defensive ends Mario Edwards Jr. and Eddie Goldman, Demonte McAllister or Dan Hicks.
Advantage: FSU
Score Prediction: FSU 30-13