Golson, receivers develop chemistry

TALLAHASSEE — FSU quarterback Everett Golson made strides as a passer in his last two games, appearing more comfortable in the pocket — and when the pocket broke down — against Miami and Louisville.

There are a variety of reasons for Golson’s progress, but one factor coach Jimbo Fisher points to is the chemistry Golson is developing with his wide receivers.

The graduate transfer is routinely trusting that his receivers are going to be in the right place when he throws the ball, allowing him to react and anticipate quicker than he had in previous weeks.

“Their body language, even just knowing the play; but how a certain guy runs a route,” Fisher said. “You want them to all run the same, but everybody’s got their own trigger points. Just learning each other, the more and more you’re around each other.”

Golson has initiated post-practice throwing sessions with his receivers in recent weeks, and the results have clearly carried over onto the field. The quarterback has completed 51 of 71 passes for 663 yards and four touchdowns the past two games.

FSU running back Mario Pender (collapsed lung) will remain sidelined for an extended period, Fisher said. The coach thinks Pender — a fourth-year junior — could be eligible for a medical redshirt if he cannot return this season. Pender has not practiced since suffering the injury in late September.

Next game: No. 9 FSU at Georgia Tech, 7 p.m. Saturday, ESPN2

Brendan Sonnone