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Florida State looks to inch closer to bowl eligibility when it hosts Virginia Tech on Saturday with both programs searching for late-season stability after inconsistent 2025 campaigns.
The Seminoles (4-5) enter the matchup with one of the nation’s most productive offenses, ranking third in the FBS at 493.8 yards per game.
FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos has thrown for 2,128 yards and 11 touchdowns, while tight end Duce Robinson leads the receiving corps with 813 yards. Florida State’s ground game, powered by Gavin Sawchuk’s eight rushing touchdowns, averages 226.7 yards per contest. The Seminoles also boast the nation’s 11th-best third-down offense, converting at a 50.8 percent rate.
Florida State holds opponents to 316.3 yards per game, but recent ACC losses, including a 24-10 setback to Clemson. They have stalled its early-season momentum.
Virginia Tech (3-6) arrives with its own struggles, particularly on defense, where it ranks 102nd in scoring and 134th in red-zone efficiency. Opponents have scored on 97.1 percent of red-zone trips, which is good news for an FSU offense that thrives on sustained drives.
Quarterback Kyron Drones has been a bright spot for the Hokies, accounting for 1,592 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and another 85 rushing yards in last week’s 28-16 loss to Louisville. Marcellous Hawkins anchors the run game with 576 yards.
Neither team is in ACC title contention, but both remain alive in the bowl chase. With pride and postseason hopes on the line, Friday’s meeting offers an opportunity to salvage momentum with three weeks left in the regular season.
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