Mike Norvell expects Florida State to be in a much better spot at receiver in Week 11
Florida State was down its top offensive weapons in Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson out wide but was still able to edge past Pitt 24-7.
Regardless if Coleman, Wilson, or anyone else can return for FSU for this weekend’s matchup, Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell remains confident in the rest of his receiving corps heading into the final weeks of the season.
“I do,” Norvell said of having confidence in his group on Monday. “What that means, we’ll see. As we go through the week, we’ll get a great perspective of where guys are. Kentron [Poitier], he battled last week. Deuce [Spann] obviously didn’t play. [Aidan] Shahriari took over some of the things in the kickoff return game. It was a real challenge last week.
“Another guy I want to mention is Vandrevius Jacobs. Hadn’t played a whole lot this season. His number got called and he was ready. Just continued growth from another true freshman that’s able to make an impact for us. So yes, I do see us being in a much better spot. Coming out of last night’s practice, we had a lot more participation in it, guys being able to get out there and work. We’ll see where the week goes.”
Ja’Khi Douglas ended up being the team’s leading receiver on the night — hauling in six receptions for 115 yards, failing to find the end zone. Tight end Kyle Morlock also had four receptions for 80 yards, but it was Markeston Douglas who had the only touchdown that quarterback Jordan Travis threw against the Panthers.
Even without his top receivers, Travis looked like his normal self with 360 passing yards on 22 completions. Still, Coleman’s knack to find the end zone was sorely missed during the ACC showdown. He’s hauled in nine of Travis’ 19 touchdown passes this season. Of course, Florida State has been dealing with injuries out wide all season, but they’re coming along nicely as FSU rounds out its regular season.
“At the end of the day, they’re doing everything in their power to get back on the field,” Norvell said. “But we’re not going to put them out in position unless they can go out there and play to the best of their abilities. Excited to see how this next week goes, and you’ll see exactly where it is as we progress towards it.”
Next up for the ‘Noles is a home matchup against Miami, which doubles as the ACC finale for Florida State. Saturday’s opening kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC.