The Florida State Seminoles played the Pittsburgh Panthers a scrappy defensive performance, winning 16-10 against one of the ACC’s better teams
They are now 5-5 on the season, including 3-4 in ACC play, one game away from bowl eligibility. It’s strange to say, but this team can finish out an up-and-down 2026 season at 8-5 if everything goes right for them.
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It was another awe-inspiring defensive performance by FSU, which has put Ernie Sims and his company squarely on fans’ radar, in a good way. On X, “I don’t care who FSU brings in at head coach. Ernie Sims MUST be on staff,” one user said.
“He’s completely transformed a defense that was depleted and defeated in under two weeks. His energy is undeniable,” another tweeted.
Florida State has won two in a row after posting three-straight losses. Now, their schedule has them returning to Doak Campbell to take on the NC State Wolfpack, and in the regular season finale, the Florida Gators. Anything is, in fact, possible with this new staff and new energy in the building.
Yes, this is what hope feels like, Seminoles fans. With all of this in mind, here are our players of the game.
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WR Jasen Lopez
Nov 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Jasen Lopez (7) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The two-sport phenom was responsible for having the most receiving yards on the Seminoles with 72 on five receptions. His longest was a 46-yard reception that put FSU at Pitt’s 10-yard-line, which ultimately set up a Gabe Panikowski field goal. And speaking of…
K Gabe Panikowski
Nov 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida State Seminoles kicker Gabe Panikowski (39) kicks a second quarter field goal against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The talk about Panikowski has been rather quiet, but he has quietly built one of the best seasons a FSU kicker has had in recent memory, perhaps even better than the great Ryan Fitzgerald in terms of efficiency. Simply because he has not missed a kick all year. He is just one of two players in the nation with a perfect percentage on field goals. He is also perfect on extra point attempts. If he keeps this up, he could find himself in consideration for the Lou Groza award.
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RB Amari Thomas
Nov 7, 2026; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Amari Thomas (22) runs the ball for a touchdown against Boston College Eagles defensive lineman E’Lla Boykin (56) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Thomas was responsible for FSU’s lone touchdown of the day, a one-yard run that put them up 13-7; without it, Florida State may lose this game. But they did not, and for that reason, I have to give Thomas his flowers, who, also has stepped up admirably in the wake of several injuries to the starters.
Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of FSU news, notes, and opinions. Jacob Smith is a contributor for FSU Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can also follow Jacob on X at @jsmith_sports.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Players of the game from FSU’s scrappy win over Pittsburgh
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