The Florida State Seminoles got back on track last Saturday when they ended their 12-game road losing streak and their recent three-game skid by defeating the Boston College Eagles 31-24. Next up, they take on the Pittsburgh Panthers in their final road game of the year.
Running back Quintrevion Wisner has been listed as out for this game, which means that true freshman Amari Thomas will likely get the start. It will also be the second consecutive game for FSU without wide receiver Duce Robinson, which makes Micahi Danzy the primary target for Ashton Daniels, and it also gives guys like Jayvan Boggs and Jasen Lopez more opportunities to make plays.
On Friday, Florida State's offense will be tested against a Pittsburgh defense that's ranked 30th
in the nation. Let's take a look at the keys for FSU offensively.
The offensive line must have a great game
One area that Pittsburgh's defense excels in is against the run, as they are allowing 68.3 rushing yards per game, the second fewest in the country. Thomas showed against Boston College how good he can be when the offensive line is playing well, as he ran for 98 yards, and Florida State had over 200 as a team. Pittsburgh also has 25 sacks on the year, which makes pass protection a big point of emphasis. The Seminoles' offensive line has to have a great performance if they want to pull off this upset.
Feed Micahi Danzy and others
Danzy, Boggs, and Lopez are a talented trio of receivers. Pittsburgh gives up 252 yards a game through the air. So, they'll be opportunities for FSU to make plays in the passing game if their offensive line holds up. That will keep Pittsburgh's defense honest and create chances for the running game.
Control time of possession
Pittsburgh ranks 24th in the nation offensively at 446 yards per game, and they put up just under 32 points every week. The best way to counter that is to keep them on the sideline due to Florida State establishing long drives offensively. This will be an important thing for the Seminoles to accomplish.
Be good in the red zone
The Panthers only give up touchdowns on 59% of their defensive possessions. It will be challenging for FSU's offense to get in the end zone, but once they're inside the 20, they must find a way to get touchdowns instead of field goals, especially with the potential of Pittsburgh scoring a significant amount of points.
Ashton Daniels has to limit turnovers
Daniels has thrown 12 interceptions this season. In fact, the only game in which he didn't throw one was the second game of the year vs. the SMU Mustangs. Pittsburgh is too potent offensively to give them the ball with short fields to work with. Daniels has to be smart and protect the football on Friday.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU football's offensive keys vs. Pittsburgh
