FSU vs. Pitt 2025 Recap: Seminoles Fall Apart Again in 34-31 Loss

The Florida State Seminoles fell behind early after Pitt scored an opening drive touchdown, but going into the half, they took the lead. The Seminoles looked to be in control in the fourth quarter, but turnovers cost them again. Another late comeback attempt fell short when they could not recover an onside kick, losing 34-31. With that in mind, learn the ins and outs of this 2025 recap between FSU vs. Pitt.

FSU Seminoles vs. Pitt Panthers 2025 Game Recap

Defense Still a Problem

The Seminoles’ defense struggled for a third straight week in getting pressure on the quarterback. With a young quarterback in for Pitt, the defense needed to get pressure early to rattle him, but he was in rhythm early.

On the first drive, Mason Heintschel used his legs to help convert three fourth downs on the first drive of the game. The defense was opportunistic in the first half, intercepting two passes due to poor decisions by Heintschel. There were constantly receivers open, and the defense tried to bend without breaking. Yet against ACC competition, they have not looked like they can be a shutdown defense.

The Seminole defense defended the run pretty well except for scrambles on broken plays. Desmond Reid and Ja’Kyran Turner only combined for 89 rushing yards, but Heintschel had 64 yards on 16 carries. Reid returned this game and was a problem in the receiving game. Reid was able to take advantage of matchups with linebackers on the way to eight catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Earl Little Jr had an interception but continues to struggle in wrapping up ball carriers.

Running Back Rotation Backfires

Gus Malzahn and the offense have implemented a revolving running back by committee. Caziah Holmes was the one to get extra work this week. He only had seven carries on the season, but ran the ball 10 times against Pitt for 40 yards. Holmes was running well and had a touchdown, but fumbled early in the fourth quarter. At the time, the Seminoles were up three, and it totally changed the momentum of the game.

Gavin Sawchuk and Ousmane Kromah combined for 129 yards on 22 carries, but much of that was in the first half. This is the second straight game where a running back has had a costly fumble that ended up dooming the Seminoles.

Injuries at Receiver Hamper Offense

Squirrel White, Randy Pittman, and Jayvan Boggs did not play against Pitt because of injuries. The receiving game went through Duce Robinson, who was impactful in the first half, even with only two catches for 10 yards. He caused two big pass interference calls that led to Seminole scores. After his injury, the offense fell into a shell and relied heavily on the running game.

Tommy Castellanos did not seem to not be as explosive running the ball and was not decisive. At one point, the Seminoles ran the ball 12 straight times before a fumble. Landen Thomas and Micahi Danzy caught touchdown passes but were not able to pick up the slack in the second half. Danzy is a talented player, but as the WR1, it was not a recipe for success for the Seminoles’ offense in the second half.  Danzy had seven catches for 133 yards, but 91 came on his two touchdown catches. The last touchdown came in desperation time with under two minutes to go.

What’s next in Week 8?

This was a game the Seminoles needed to have. The loss to Pitt was the eighth straight ACC loss for FSU. The excitement to start start the season has fizzled and now the Seminoles just need to focus on becoming bowl eligible. Next week the Seminoles go on the road to the West Coast when they play Stanford in a prime time game at 10:30. Stanford is not a good team and the Seminoles desperately need a give me game. Can the Seminoles right the ship or will the collapse continue?