FSU football: 5 things I need to see against Virginia Tech
By Kelvin Hunt
Intermediate Routes/Slot Receivers
When was the last time an FSU slot receiver caught a pass? I’m pretty sure we’d have to go to the Southern Mississippi game.
I understand FSU has some dynamic talent at receiver with Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson. However, the predictable vertical passes to those two guys haven’t been the most efficient plays, and FSU has lived in third and long situations much of the season.
That approach and the inability to establish the run have made the FSU offense stagnant. Jordan Travis did a great job utilizing several options in the passing game last season. He would complete passes to his slot guys underneath and use the middle of the field to open up vertical passes down the field.
That’s been non-existent this season. Winston Wright and Destyn Hill have five receptions combined. Mike Norvell has been great at scheming the tight end up the seams, and hasn’t been used much thus far.
Even if the running game can’t get going, this is still an aspect they can go to to help get more guys involved, while likely having a higher percentage of completing the pass.
I need to see more variation it the passing game Saturday and a higher success rate on early does to avoid third and forever.