Week 7 features a fascinating ACC showdown between two programs with proud coaches at the helm. Pittsburgh, under second-year coach DevonHiggins, has been one of the more exciting teams in the country, lighting up the scoreboard every week. On the other side, Florida State coach sammy33 is one of the NDL’s most experienced veterans, with a deep coaching résumé and a proven track record of success across multiple schools.
Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, but each remains very much alive in the ACC race. With points expected in bunches, this one has “shootout” written all over it.
Pittsburgh Panthers Outlook
At 3-2, the Panthers have already shown they can hang with tough competition. Their high-powered offense has been the story of the season so far.
QB Eli Holstein has been sharp, throwing for 694 yards, 8 TDs, and just 1 INT on 34 completions. His efficiency (over 70% completion rate) keeps the chains moving.
RB Desmond Reid is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball, averaging over 8 YPC with 255 yards, 4 TDs, and an 82-yard breakaway run already this year.
WR Raphael Williams Jr. may not have huge volume yet, but his 164 yards and 2 TDs make him a dangerous red-zone target.
Pitt’s offense averages 42.4 PPG, but their defense has been leaky, giving up 26 PPG and showing vulnerability late in games (7.0 PPG allowed in the 4th). Against a methodical FSU attack, those lapses could be costly.
Florida State Seminoles Outlook
Florida State is just 2-2, but their schedule has been brutal — close losses to Boise State and Iowa State sandwiched around strong wins over Georgia and Virginia.
QB Thomas Castellanos has been efficient, completing 69 of 94 passes for 879 yards, 6 TDs, and 3 INTs. He’s a steady leader who thrives in short-to-intermediate passing.
RB Roydell Williams has been a spark, running for 294 yards and 3 TDs with multiple explosive plays. His ability to pick up chunk yardage on the ground gives balance to the FSU attack.
TE Randy Pittman is Castellanos’ most reliable target, posting 139 yards and 1 TD with 13 catches. His ability to move the chains will be critical in keeping Holstein and Pitt’s offense on the sidelines.
Defensively, FSU has been much more disciplined than Pitt, allowing just 19.0 PPG and holding opponents scoreless in multiple key quarters. Their bend-but-don’t-break approach will be tested against the Panthers’ aggressive offense.
Key Matchups to Watch
Holstein vs. FSU Secondary: Pitt’s QB has been efficient and dangerous. If FSU can generate pressure and force him into mistakes, they can tilt the game.
Reid vs. Roydell Williams: Both teams lean on their backs for explosive plays. The RB who finds the end zone more often may swing the scoreboard.
Tempo & Possession: Pitt averages just 9:46 TOP per game, while FSU holds the ball for nearly 15 minutes. If the Seminoles control time of possession, it could frustrate Pitt’s quick-strike offense.
Coaching Battle
DevonHiggins is a rising star in the NDL. After an impressive debut season at Northern Illinois (11-3, 8-1 in conference), he’s brought that offensive firepower to Pittsburgh. His biggest challenge now is building defensive consistency.
sammy33 is a veteran coach with stops at Nebraska, Michigan, Tulane (where he went 13-1 and won the conference), and now Florida State. His experience in big games is unmatched, and he knows how to steady the ship after tough losses.
This is a classic “young gun vs. seasoned veteran” coaching duel.
Prediction
Pittsburgh’s offense is explosive, but their lack of ball control and defensive holes make them vulnerable — especially against a patient, experienced Florida State team. Castellanos’ efficiency and FSU’s ability to win the time-of-possession battle could keep Pitt’s offense from finding its rhythm.
Expect some fireworks early, but in the end, Florida State’s balance and discipline at home give them the edge.
Projected Score: Florida State 38, Pittsburgh 31
The Seminoles protect their home turf, while Pitt continues to be one of the league’s most entertaining but unpredictable teams.
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