The Florida State Seminoles and the Pittsburgh Panthers meet Saturday in college football action from Acrisure Stadium. Florida State is fresh off a road matchup versus Wake Forest. In that one the Seminoles improved to 8-0 overall with a dominant victory. As for 2-6 Pittsburgh, they played Notre Dame over the weekend. The Panthers ended up losing in a blowout. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Florida State Seminoles 

The Seminoles had a couple of close calls in their first seven games of the season (namely 31-24 over Clemson in OT and 31-29 over Boston College) but overall they came out of the gate strong. Heading into the weekend, Florida State averaged a whopping 41.6 points per game with 38 total touchdowns (18 passing; 17 rushing). 

In the Saturday matchup versus Wake Forest, Florida State didn’t have too many issues. The Seminoles jumped out to a 34-7 halftime lead and cruised to the win 41-16. QB Jordan Travis finished with 359 yards and three scores, while Trey Benson added 55 yards with one rush score. Benson also led the receivers with four catches for 100 yards and another TD. 

Florida State Seminoles Team Facts

• Florida State has won each of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• The team ranked 4th in the AP Poll has covered the spread in nine of its last 10 games.
• Florida State has won the first half in five of its last six road games against conference opponents.
• Florida State has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
• Seven of Florida State’s last eight November games as a road favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Pittsburgh Panthers 

Over on the Panthers’ side, they’ve had some troubles against a tricky schedule this year and haven’t really gotten going overall. Pittsburgh entered the Notre Dame matchup with 24.6 points per game on average, 11 pass TDs (versus five picks) and eight rush scores. Konata Mumpfield led a tepid receiving attack with 30 catches for 347 yards and three scores in those first seven games. 

Matched up against the Irish on Saturday, the Panthers had some trouble on the road versus a tough team. Pittsburgh gave up points in every quarter during a rough loss 58-7. Christian Veilleux managed 127 yards and four picks, while Rodney Hammond rushed for just 31 yards. Jerrod Means caught three ball for 63 yards to top the receivers. 

Pittsburgh Panthers Team Facts

• Pittsburgh has won each of its last eight games in November.
• Pittsburgh has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games.
• Pittsburgh has won the first half in six of its last eight home games against conference opponents.
• Eight of Pittsburgh’s last nine games at Acrisure Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Florida State rank 5th among FBS teams for points per game this season (41.5).
• The Florida State are one of only eight FBS teams undefeated in road games this season ([z-0]).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stick with Florida State. Outside of their nine penalties (115 yards) back on Saturday, the Seminoles didn’t have trouble toppling a decent Wake Forest team. Florida State racked up 508 yards (382 passing) in that one alongside 20 first downs. The Seminoles have been on a scoring tear this year, posting 31 or more points in every game. 

As for Pittsburgh, they weren’t going to do much against Notre Dame by any measure, but the five turnovers and 1-of-11 result on third downs were pretty rough. The Panthers have scored just 24 combined points over the last two games, and it’s not going to get much easier to score in this one—even at home. I don’t see Pittsburgh keeping pace for long.