FSU WR corps thins

Freshman defensive back appears ready for bigger role

TALLAHASSEE — Efficient and explosive are words that could not be used to describe Florida State’s ground attack leading up to the bye week. But Trey Benson hit the 200-yard mark, powered by touchdown runs of 85 and 62 yards, and the No. 4 Seminoles averaged 7.8 yards per carry in the 39-17 win over Virginia Tech.

A resurgent run game as well as a defense that dominated for three quarters are two of the biggest positives from FSU’s return following the bye. Now the Seminoles (5-0, 3-0 ACC) look to continue their roll against Syracuse (4-2, 0-2), which is coming off double-digit losses to Clemson and North Carolina, on Saturday (ABC, noon):

Is depth now a concern with the receiving group?: Star receiver Johnny Wilson remains questionable after leaving the VT game in the third quarter with an undisclosed injury, while Winston Wright Jr. opted to leave the team Sunday after he didn’t catch a pass in FSU’s last three games.

If Wilson can’t play against Syracuse, it’s unfortunate that FSU won’t have the 6-foot-7 option as a blocker or receiver.

But Kentron Poitier returned and played 19 snaps, while Ja’Khi Douglas played 18 snaps and dropped an underthrown but catchable pass from Jordan Travis against VT. FSU still has plenty of options at receiver, led by Keon Coleman — the ACC leader with six touchdown receptions — although coaches would like to see more production from Darion Williamson, Poitier and Douglas as freshmen Destyn Hill and Hykeem Williams continue to develop.

“Kentron probably had as good of spring as anybody that we had,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “It was unfortunate he had the injury in fall camp that he was unavailable in the early part of the season. When he got in there [against VT] he played fast. He showed the burst and the route running. He blocked really well.”

FSU’s coaches have fully embraced using two tight ends, expanding options in the pass and run game.