Notes from FSU's 16-10 win over Pittsburgh on Friday, a combination of those from the Osceola as well as FSU sports information.
FSU has won two straight games against Power 4 opponents for the first time since 2023.
The defense has allowed just two scores in the second halves under interim coordinator Ernie Sims Jr.: a touchdown at Boston College (on five drives) and a field goal at Pittsburgh (on seven drives).
FSU produced two sacks, seven tackles for loss and six pass breakups. Defensive lineman Deamontae Diggs, a Pittsburgh native, had two tackles for loss.
Cornerback Charles Lester had two pass breakups, a career best. Nehemiah Chandler had one on Friday and now has six in 2026.
Linebacker Caleb LaVallee had a season-high six tackles, while defensive end Rylan Kennedy had his first career interception.
Luke Francis Jr. made his FSU debut in the third quarter. An offensive lineman, he made three tackles on the defensive line, a position he played in high school.
Ashton Daniels had a fumble on the rugby-like scrum when the referees didn't blow the whistle. But Daniels completed 16 of 24 passes, a 66.7 percentage that is his best in a game in 2026 vs. a Power 4 opponent. Daniels now has 7,092 passing yards in his career.
Running back Amari Thomas made his first career start and scored FSU's only touchdown of the game. The freshman’s 16-yard catch was a career-long. There was no update on his injury.
Another freshman, Devin Carter, caught a 9-yard pass for his first career reception.
Gabe Panikowski made a season-high three field goals, from 27, 37 and a season-long 47 yards. Panikowski is now 11-for-11 on the season and 26-for-26 in his FBS career.
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