Defensive snap counts from FSU's win over Virginia

FSU's defense allowed the Virginia Cavaliers to score a touchdown on their second possession of the game, but that was ala during the Seminoles' 38-7 win. It was by far their best showing of the season, with the front seven taking over the game and dominating Virginia's experienced offensive line. T

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What is the story about?

FSU's defense allowed the Virginia Cavaliers to score a touchdown on their second possession of the game, but that was ala during the Seminoles' 38-7 win.

It was by far their best showing of the season, with the front seven taking over the game and dominating Virginia's experienced offensive line. The group finished with a season-high 10.0 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. It was a welcome sight after struggles to rush the passer to start the season, and head coach Mike Norvell gave them plenty of credit for continuing to work.

"They continued to work and you felt the edge that they played with," he said. "There was an incredible effort and incredible application of technique and fundamentals. Guys being where they needed to be, that was something

I was proud of.

"There’s been issues in the early part of the season. Guys are doing the work, I thought Tony did a really nice job of adapting the plan as he’s continuing to be around this team and this defensive front. I thought some guys definitely grew up, that was an experienced and good offensive line that they went against and definitely performed at an elite level."

The Seminoles used 28 different players during their 76 defensive snaps against Virginia. Here's how much everyone played, per Pro Football Focus.

Defensive Line

Oct 3, 2026; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Beau Pribula (7) throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Mandrell Desir: 49
Rylan Kennedy: 47
Daniel Lyons: 45
Deamontae Diggs: 37
Jalen Anderson: 33
Deante McCray: 29
Kevin Wynn: 28
Franklin Whitley: 9
Jaemin Pinckney: 9
Judah Daniels: 6

Linebacker

Oct 3, 2026; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Ma'Khi Jones (14) celebrates a third down stop during the first quarter of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Chris Jones: 50
Mikai Gbayor: 43
Caleb LaVallee: 30
Omar Graham Jr.: 28
AJ Cottrill: 11
Karon Maycock: 8

Defensive Back

Aug 29, 2026; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State defensive back Quindarrius Jones (0) catches an interception as New Mexico State wide receiver TJ Pride (7) defends during the first quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images