Report: Star Wide Receiver To Return For Florida State Against Duke Blue Devils
Florida State will return to action on Saturday night to conclude a three-game homestand against the Duke Blue Devils in a top-25 matchup. This will be one of the toughest challenges that the Seminoles have faced in 2023 as the Blue Devils have surrendered a mere 59 points in six games, one of the best marks in the country.
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It will be up to FSU to take advantage of every possession on offense and one thing that should help is the return of one of the top playmakers on the team. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel while providing an update on College GameDay, redshirt junior wide receiver Johnny Wilson will be back in the lineup after missing the victory over Syracuse due to an undisclosed injury.
This doesn't come as a major surprise as Wilson practiced throughout the week. Plus, head coach Mike Norvell was optimistic about his chances to suit up when he spoke to the media on Monday.
"I feel very good about Johnny," Norvell said a couple of days ago. "He progressed really well over the weekend, was able to get reps in the practice. Planning on having him rolling here throughout the week."
This should be a big boost as Wilson has recorded 90+ yards in three of his five appearances. He's Florida State's second-leading receiver behind Keon Coleman with 20 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson caught both of his touchdowns in his most recent outing against Virginia Tech.
The Blue Devils are ranked eighth in the country after only allowing 164.7 passing yards per game so far this season. However, they've yet to face a combination of wide receivers that include talents such as Wilson and Coleman. The duo have each recorded two 100+ yard games while Coleman leads the ACC in receiving touchdowns.
The Seminoles have been slowly getting healthier over the last couple of weeks as safety Akeem Dent, left tackle Robert Scott, wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas, and wide receiver Kentron Poitier all returned to action earlier this month. Linebacker Tatum Bethune and tight end Jaheim Bell also seem to be close to full strength after getting banged up in previous games.
Florida State and Duke are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
READ MORE: Staff Score Predictions For Florida State vs. Duke
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