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The shots that didn’t fall. FSU missed all nine of its first-half threes and went 4-for-21 overall. Anthony Robinson II hit two in the final minute and finished with 19 points. Florida made nine threes.

Where Florida took control. The Gators won the rebounding battle 41–29 and made 27 free throws after halftime. Thomas Haugh finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

How FSU stayed in it. Rancik scored 17 of his game-high 23 after the break. Kam Taylor’s dunk put FSU ahead 37–36 early in the second half, and the Noles outscored Florida 32–20 in the paint. Shon Abaev and Taylor each had 10 points.

Next at Tucker. Texas A&M–Corpus Christi visits Friday at 5 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra.

Daughtry’s decision. Warchant reports FSU staffers have made weekly trips to South Florida to see four-star 2027 point guard Cayden Daughtry, including a family meeting last week. The Noles are pushing for an early signature, though a later decision remains the expectation. Florida and Miami are the other leading in-state contenders.

Why the matchup mattered. Before Tuesday’s game, Loucks said competing with top teams gives FSU a way to show recruits it belongs in those conversations. Daughtry is a consensus top-10 prospect.

Ponder’s first week. On3’s Jamie Shaw highlighted the 7-footer after two double-doubles, 80% shooting and averages of 12.5 points and 10.5 boards in his first two games. Ponder had four points and three rebounds against Florida.

What he’s looking for. Purinton starts with how a candidate’s team plays. He wants effort, discipline and evidence that the staff can identify and develop talent. He cited Trinidad Chambliss as an example of why recruiting rankings tell only part of the story.

How the search is moving. Purinton said Florida State will work with Parker Executive Search and conduct research and outreach during the season. He gave no hiring deadline. President Richard McCullough said the firm has already provided names for the football search.

What counts as a fit. Purinton emphasized an authentic connection to the program. The coaching coverage continues to flag his Alabama overlap with Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann.

The business priorities. He cited jersey patches, sponsorships, licensing, media rights and ticket revenue. He also talked about connecting athletes with brands within the NIL rules and using what he learned at Arkansas State to scrutinize spending.

The homecoming. Purinton started in FSU’s sports information office answering phones, roomed with Chris Weinke and worked with Bobby Bowden and Mike Martin. Weinke urged him to take a moment to appreciate becoming AD at his alma mater.

The reaction. Kirk Herbstreit backed the hire, pointing to Bowden and longtime FSU communications staffer Rob Wilson as influences. The Osceola reported that the search included interviews with seven or eight sitting Power Four ADs.

Who’s out. Tuesday’s report listed Wisner, Samuel Singleton Jr. and Ousmane Kromah out at running back, along with receiver Duce Robinson, center Bradyn Welch-Joiner and defensive lineman Kevin Wynn. Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel was also out.

Who could return. Deante McCray, Jamari Howard, Caleb LaVallee and Conor McAneney were questionable. Blake Nichelson and K.J. Kirkland were probable. The ACC will issue further reports before kickoff.

The matchup. Pitt allows 68.3 rushing yards per game, second nationally entering the matchup. Ashton Daniels already has an FSU quarterback record of 13 rushing TDs. Pitt’s Damon Ferguson ran for 185 yards and two scores in the Panthers’ last game, a 34–11 win over Georgia Tech.

The numbers. ESPN’s FPI has Pitt seventh and FSU eighth in the ACC. SportsLine’s Tuesday preview listed Pitt by 3.5 with a 53.5 total and its model projected the under.

Henshaw’s read. The former Bowden assistant credited Stockstill for staying composed, Tim Harris Jr. for going back to his playmakers and Jasen Lopez’s punt return for changing the field position when BC had momentum. He singled out Daniels’ short-yardage running and warned that sustaining the same energy at Pitt on a short week is the next test.

Sims’ adjustments. Ernie Sims told The Osceola the staff focused on its best 11 and what they did well. Giving Nehemiah Chandler chances to read the play from zone helped produce an interception and two pass breakups. FSU allowed one second-half touchdown.

Who played. Lopez took 49 of 75 offensive snaps, Amari Thomas took on more work than he had against Clemson and Chavez Thompson finished the game at center. Thomas’ 11-yard TD capped the 14-play go-ahead drive. Thomas and Xavier Chaplin earned ACC weekly honors at their positions.

Joshua Benka-Coker. Edge coach Nick Williams encouraged the Pennington, N.J., basketball player to try football when he was at Syracuse. He delivered an FSU offer Monday after the 6-foot-8, 225-pound senior put up 18.5 sacks and 26 tackles for loss in eight games. The 2027 prospect said he had yet to finalize a visit or name a top group.

Jayden Miles. The four-star Baton Rouge back remains committed to FSU while evaluating the coaching change. He’s officially visiting LSU November 13–15 for the Texas game and Missouri the following weekend for Kentucky. Ohio State is still involved, and an FSU return visit remains possible.

Jatori Williams. The Top 100 interior lineman committed to Auburn Tuesday. Noles247 reports he was on his FSU official visit and had been scheduled to meet Mike Norvell when news of the dismissal came. His relationship with Herb Hand gave FSU a chance, but Auburn’s visit and proximity to home won out. Williams shut down the process before his planned Miami trip.

Za’Kari Johnson. Noles247 describes the FSU pledge as solid for now after earlier visits to Miami, Auburn and Texas A&M. The direction of FSU’s coaching search remains worth watching.

Coaleon Johnson. The 6-foot-4 Iowa Western corner is rated No. 2 among JUCO corners by 247Sports. LSU hosts him Friday after Ole Miss and Texas Tech visits. Missouri is scheduled for the final weekend of November. FSU is among his offers, while LSU, Ole Miss, Missouri and Texas Tech are the schools highlighted in the report.

Jeremiah Mark. The Picayune, Miss., defensive lineman has offers from FSU, Alabama, Miami and Ole Miss and made another visit to LSU for the Alabama game. Geaux247 lists LSU as a contender as it evaluates his senior season.

Elsewhere on LSU’s board. Four-star Texas quarterback Tristin Gaines is set to decide November 14, with LSU and SMU the two schools Geaux247 is tracking late.

At the door. Active-duty military and veterans can claim up to four complimentary tickets with valid military ID at the box office.

Coming in. Tatum Greene had 17 points, nine rebounds and four steals in Sunday’s 101–42 win over FAMU. West Florida is 1–2 after an 85–58 win over Pensacola Christian.

The schedule. South Carolina on Thursday, February 18 at 3 p.m., Texas A&M on Friday at noon, UCF on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Oklahoma State on Sunday at 6 p.m. All times Eastern.

Tickets. On sale November 17. Florida State is 22–10 all-time at the event.

At quarterback. Jameis Winston went 6-of-8 for 71 yards and a TD in the Giants’ win over Philadelphia. DJ Uiagalelei threw a 15-yard touchdown for the Chargers against Houston.

In coverage. Renardo Green picked off a pass in the end zone and had four tackles in San Francisco’s win over Las Vegas.

Monday night. Keon Coleman caught three passes on six targets for 17 yards in Buffalo’s 23–6 win over Minnesota.