Top defensive performers in FSU's win over Pittsburgh

The Florida State Seminoles were seeking their second consecutive road win on Friday night as they took on the Pittsburgh Panthers, who came into the game with one of the nation's top offenses.

There wouldn't be any big performances for Pittsburgh in this one, as FSU's defense completely shut them down. The Panthers had 306 total yards, which was 140 yards below their season average and just 10 points, which is 22 fewer than they've put up per game in 2026. This led to the Seminoles pulling out a 16-10 win.

It was the best defensive showing for Florida State all season, and it's set them up to clinch a bowl game next week against the NC State Wolfpack. Here were the top performers on defense for FSU against Pittsburgh.

Caleb LaVallee

This was arguably the best game of the year for LaVallee. He finished second on the team with six tackles, and five of them were solo stops. His biggest play came in the fourth quarter with just under nine minutes left when he sacked Pittsburgh quarterback Corey Dailey on fourth down. It was a continuation of a good season for LaVallee as he's helped the linebacker room be the top unit on the team.

Omar Graham Jr.

Graham has been somewhat of a forgotten man in Florida State's linebacker rotation this year. However, he shined against Pittsburgh with five tackles (three solo), one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup. On the final drive for the Panthers, Graham tackled running back La'Vell Wright for a two-yard loss on third down and then pressured Dailey on fourth down to force an incompletion. He closed the game for FSU's defense.

Deamontae Diggs

Diggs flashed on the screen several times on Friday night. All three of his tackles were solo efforts, with two of them being for losses. Also, he added a pass breakup. This was undoubtedly the best game for Diggs this season, and he will look to keep elevating his play in the new defense

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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Top defensive performers in FSU's win over Pittsburgh