Florida State closed out its regular-season home slate in style Saturday night, surging past Virginia Tech 34–14 on Military Appreciation Weekend and Senior Night at Doak Campbell Stadium. With the win, the Seminoles evened their record at 5–5 (2–5 ACC) and kept their bowl hopes firmly alive, delivering their most complete performance in weeks behind the electric duo of quarterback Tommy Castellanos and wide receiver Duce Robinson.

Robinson continued his sensational late-season run, topping 100 receiving yards for the third straight game. He hauled in six passes for 134 yards and a touchdown, proving nearly impossible for Virginia Tech to contain. Castellanos, meanwhile, was the engine that made everything go, throwing a touchdown to Robinson and rushing for two more as he piled up 234 total yards. When the Seminoles needed a spark, Castellanos and Robinson provided it every time.

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Virginia Tech found some early success on the ground, leaning heavily on quarterback Kyron Drones and running back Marcellus Hawkins. The Hokies finished with 238 rushing yards, but Florida State met the challenge with timely stops, forcing an interception, a strip sack, and turnovers on downs that kept the Seminoles in control as the game wore on.

FSU got off to a strong start defensively when Jerry Wilson jumped a pass for an interception on the opening drive. Castellanos wasted little time turning that into points, connecting with Robinson for a smooth 19-yard touchdown. Although a missed field goal kept the margin tight early, the Seminoles steadily built momentum with chunk plays from Caziah Holmes, Micahi Danzy, and Jaylin Lucas, who added two momentum-shifting kick returns on the night.

After the Hokies tied the game behind Drones’ legs, Ousmane Kromah jump-started a second scoring drive, and Castellanos again found Robinson to put FSU ahead 10–7. Florida State closed the half matching Virginia Tech’s physical running style blow for blow, and the Seminoles went into the locker room with plenty of confidence.

That confidence exploded into a dominant second half.

Lucas ignited the opening drive of the third quarter with a 37-yard return, and Robinson continued carving up the Hokies with another quick burst into scoring territory. After an offside penalty moved the ball to the goal line, Castellanos hurdled into the end zone to push the lead to 17–7.

Virginia Tech threatened to respond, but the Seminoles’ defense delivered the play of the night when Mandrell Desir forced a strip sack that swung momentum all the way back to the garnet and gold. From there, Florida State took complete control. Robinson stacked first down after first down, Pittman Jr. finished a bruising drive with a touchdown, and Castellanos later broke loose for a 15-yard score that effectively put the game out of reach.

Even after the Hokies cut the deficit to 27–14, the ’Noles answered right back with another explosive Lucas return and another Robinson highlight. Florida State closed the game with a late field goal, sealing a win that felt like a statement — not just about Senior Night, but about the direction this team is heading at a pivotal point in the season.

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With one of their best all-around performances of the year, the Seminoles now turn their focus to a crucial road matchup against NC State as they continue their climb toward bowl eligibility. For a team that has fought through adversity, Saturday night felt like a reminder of what this group can be.

Florida State didn’t just win — they played with confidence, balance, and belief. And now, with momentum building, the season still has plenty of life left.