After Kromah Injury, Seminoles Must Rely on Passing Attack

With the season-ending injury to star running back Ousmane Kromah, the Seminoles’ running back room was further decimated.

Now, the only two true running backs left on the roster that have seen game action are Tre Wisner and Amari Thomas.

As a result, coach Mike Norvell and Daniels must rely on the passing attack more now than ever to successfully navigate the second half of the season.

In Saturday night’s loss to Miami, Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels threw four touchdowns passes, the most he has thrown in a game all season.

For his efforts, Daniels was named ACC Quarterback of the Week. 

Against the Hurricanes, Daniels and Norvell finally included star receiver Duce Robinson into the passing offense.

The Miami game was Robinson’s breakout game of the season.

Robinson caught five passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns, including one that went for 75 yards. He averaged 22.60 yards per catch against the Hurricanes defense.

Daniels also found running back Tre Wisner for 28 yards and a touchdown. Wisner posted four catches for 56 yards.

Tight end Desirrio Riles made an appearance and caught two passes for 35 yards and a 23-yard score.

If Norvell does not draw up the passing plays necessary to keep Robinson and the other receivers engaged in the offense, the Seminoles run the risk of becoming one-dimensional.

Teams are sure to stack the box on defense and force Daniels to beat them with his passing arm.

Daniels has almost as many rushing touchdowns (11) as he does TD passes (12). But those numbers are deceiving.

Coming into the Miami game, Daniels did have more rushing TDs (11) than TD passes (8).

At times, it appears Daniels does not trust his own passing skills. If the pocket breaks down under pressure, he is quick to take off and try to extend the play with his legs.

Norvell has repeatedly told Daniels that he needs to trust his eyes on what he sees downfield.

Daniels has not completed 60 percent or better on his passes since the win over Virginia. Further, he has thrown an interception in every game this season, except the SMU game.

Florida State has too many weapons on the perimeter to not have an effective passing attack.

Jayvan Boggs and Micahi Danzy have proven to be adept pass catchers. Danzy has elite speed that Norvell really has not taken advantage of this season.

Florida State is on their second bye week of the season. Then they prepare to host Clemson on Oct. 31.

Clemson leads the ACC in passing touchdowns allowed with five, and is third in the league in completion percentage allowed at 56.5 percent.

Daniels will have to break out of his comfort zone on passing downs and trust what he sees as the plays develop, and deliver the football to his talented trio of receivers.

Otherwise, it will be a long second half of the season for Florida State.