Florida State is now down its top two wide receivers against Pitt this afternoon.
Johnny Wilson, the 6-foot-7, 240-pound outside threat, made the trip to Pittsburgh but was announced inactive earlier today, and it appears that Keon Coleman is also out after not taking part in pregame warmups.
It’s a high-powered Florida State offense, but even Heisman Trophy candidate Jordan Travis will miss two of the top wide receivers in the ACC — and college football as a whole.
Pat Narduzzi expected to have to find a way to slow down Wilson just a couple of days ago despite dealing with an injury. Coleman is a surprise non-particpant.
“I mean, they’ve got a 6-7, they’ve got a 6-4, they’ve got a 6-3,” Narduzzi said Thursday at his weekly news conference. “I’m sure Wilson will play, the 6-7 guy. They’ve got receivers, but they also will go — we call it a 21 pony, where they have a tailback and No. 9 will be a receiver. He’s a tailback, but he’s athletic.”
Wilson has dealt with injuries this season, missing a couple of games earlier this season, but his loss is certainly one that will be felt by the Seminoles. And Coleman will be missed even more so.
After leading the Seminoles in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns last season, Wilson formed a jumbo duo with Michigan State trasnfer Coleman this season. In six games, Wilson has caught 25 passes for 415 yards (16.6 yards per reception) and two touchdowns.
Without Wilson and Coleman — who leads the ‘Noles with 38 receptions for 538 yards (14.2 yards per reception) and nine touchdowns — in the lineup, the run game may be leaned upon more heavily. And tight end Jahiem Bell and running back Trey Benson will still be utilized in the passing game, too.
Benson leads Florida State with 544 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns on the ground, too.
It will be a very tough task to slow down Jordan Travis and the Seminoles, and Pitt will benefit from Wilson and Coleman sitting out. Former high-profile Pitt target Hykeem Williams is also out for Seminoles.
