Noles News: FSU to be without starting running back vs. Pitt

Florida State travels to Acrisure Stadium on Friday to face Pittsburgh in an ACC matchup, and the Seminoles will be missing their starting running back according to the team's initial availability report released Tuesday evening. The news comes as FSU adjusts to interim head coach Rick Stockstill following Mike Norvell's firing, with Stockstill telling reporters, "You go on the road, you got to pack your toughness" against Pitt.

Pittsburgh enters the game having snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 34-11 victory over Georgia Tech on October 31. Freshman running back Damon Ferguson Jr. starred in that win, rushing for a career-high 189 yards on 31 carries with two touchdowns. Ferguson has emerged as the Panthers' lead back with 662 yards and six touchdowns on 123 carries through nine games, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt. His expanded role came partly due to Ja'Kyrian Turner's continued absence; Turner has played in only three of nine games this season and was listed as questionable on Tuesday's availability report. Coach Pat Narduzzi offered little optimism about Turner's status, saying, "I wish 'Boosie' was healthier. I'll just say that. So don't get your hopes up.

Behind Ferguson, veteran La'Vell Wright has contributed 305 yards and five touchdowns on 76 carries. At quarterback, Holden Geriner has reclaimed the starting role after a turbulent stretch following Mason Heintschel's season-ending injury. Geriner struggled in his first start against North Carolina with two interceptions, then lost the job to Corey Dailey for the Boston College game before returning to lead the Georgia Tech victory. Offensive tackle Ryan Baer expressed confidence in the offense's balance: "I'm confident in our group... I'm also confident that Holden's going to be able to throw the ball, too."

Narduzzi noted improved energy during the bye week practices: "I think our players looked a little bit rejuvenated out there, mentally and physically. Just seemed a little bit fresh. Lot of energy, noisy in team meetings, which is good." The Panthers will face an FSU team looking to respond under Stockstill, who acknowledged the challenge of playing on the road against a Pittsburgh squad buoyed by its recent win.