FSU football made a major move towards upgrading what would have been one of the best offenses in college football in 2023.
The Noles had a potent offense in 2022, scoring 35+ points in nine of 13 games, including the final six consecutive.
FSU used a run-heavy attack, running the ball 57 percent of the time while implementing an explosive passing attack that tied for No. 6 nationally at 8.9 yards per attempt.
FSU did this largely with three wide receivers, Johnny Wilson, Mycah Pittman, and Pokey Wilson. Pittman transferred to Utah, and Wilson signed as an NFL undrafted free agent a few weeks ago.
Johnny Wilson returns as the top option in 2023, standing at 6’7″ and with a catch radius out of this world, with the ability to stretch the field and win one-on-one matchups.
Kentron Poitier has the potential to step up in 2023 after a strong spring camp, but FSU added a more proven commodity from the transfer portal in Keon Coleman Wednesday afternoon.
Coleman had a breakout year in 2022 for Michigan State, leading them in every statistical category. Let’s discuss how Keon Coleman upgrades an already potent offense in 2023.
Major Upgrade
Keon Coleman’s production from 2022 almost surpasses what FSU football got from Pokey Wilson and Mycah Pittman combined. Coleman lists at 6’4″ and 215 pounds. That is considerably larger than Wilson or Pittman. I don’t know if Coleman has better long speed than Pokey Wilson, but his speed is likely comparable, and he’s faster than Pittman. One thing you’ll notice in his highlights is his physicality and strong hands.
These traits will make him invaluable on third downs, similar to how Pittman would make tough catches to move the chains. He rarely drops the ball and is an instant threat to score in the red zone in man coverage(an area FSU struggled last year)
He also has some wiggle to his game, as he can make guys miss in open space, like at the 37-second mark. Coleman and Johnny Wilson on the field at the same time gives FSU football two guys at 6’4″ plus, which means defenses can’t double cover either.
Plus, FSU can trot out Jaheim Bell, Poitier, Kyle Morlock, Markeston Douglas, Deuce Spann, and Darion Williamson, who are all 6’3″ and up. Remember how Johnny Wilson bullied smaller defensive backs in the running game? Coleman is another big receiver who can offer more of the same.
The running game will open up the passing game and vice versa. Defensive coordinators will lose lots of sleep trying to figure out what they want to attempt to take away from the Noles.
The crazy part is I don’t think there’s anything they can do to stop this offense. The only thing that will stop FSU’s offense is failing to execute. Coleman not having spring camp to learn the offense does concern me, but I think he has enough experience and the summer and fall to make up enough of the difference.
Parting Thoughts
The Coleman decision came down to FSU and Ole Miss. FSU has the better QB and a better chance to make the College Football Playoff in 2023. Had Coleman chosen Ole Miss, it would have been a disappointment, but he’s more of a want than a necessity.
His addition amplifies a few things: FSU has the NIL capabilities to compete with SEC teams that love to throw money around. It signals they believe this addition was worth the risk to go for it all in 2023.
There’s a lot of young receiver talent on the roster, but Wilson and Coleman will likely leave after the 2023 season. FSU will blow several teams out this year, which allows the younger talent to gain valuable reps, which will be key in their development.
A player like Kentron Poitier will still get valuable reps, which could make him a priority to retain once Wilson and Coleman leave. I also believe this addition means we could see FSU move to a more balanced attack in 2023 instead of leaning toward a more run-heavy offense.
We saw this in one season with Mike Norvell at Memphis (2017). That offense was the best Norvell’s had, averaging 45.5 ppg and 7.35 yards per play. That’s good enough to win a national title in 2023 at FSU.