Florida State WR Robinson Could be X-Factor Against Clemson

Last season, Florida State receiver Duce Robinson used his 6-foot-6 height advantage to grab nine passes for 134 yards in a 24-10 losing effort to the Clemson Tigers on the road.

In the rematch Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium, Robinson could be the x-factor that secures victory for the Seminoles.

If Robinson and the Seminoles are successful, it would be just the second victory against Clemson on coach Mike Norvell’s watch. It would also be the first win over Clemson in Tallahassee since 2014.

Robinson was a 1,000-yard receiver last year for the Seminoles and a first-team All-ACC selection. In hindsight, Robinson should have declared for the NFL Draft.

Robinson left a lot of money on the table by coming back to Florida State for another season.

This season, there has been a drop in his production. However, that “drop” is not solely on Robinson’s shoulders. Norvell and quarterback Ashton Daniels bear some of the blame.

Poor play-calling by Norvell, and a less than 60 percent completion rate and eight interceptions by Daniels have hindered the passing game, and thus Robinson’s participation in it.

However, Daniels is coming off a game at Miami where he threw for 298 yards and four touchdowns.

For his efforts, Daniels earned ACC Quarterback of the Week honors.

Robinson has 22 catches for 407 yards and four touchdowns, and has averaged 18.50 yards per catch (4th in the ACC).

This season, Robinson only has two games of 100+ yards receiving.

Last week against Miami, Robinson caught five passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. It was his best game so far this season.

This year’s matchup with Clemson presents an opportunity for Robinson to be the game changer he was meant to be when arrived at Florida State from USC.

However, it will not be easy.

The Clemson defense is the strength of their team this season. Their defensive line has recorded 10 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in their last two games.

Further, Clemson’s secondary has been productive. They have produced four interceptions and allowed only seven TD passes through seven games.

Robinson does have the height advantage, which will help against smaller defenders and on contested catches. He is the perfect weapon in the red zone. A tight end in a receiver’s body.

Coming into this season, Robinson had 18 contested catches, the most of any returning receiver in the ACC.

Robinson is a weapon that Norvell must utilize more the rest of the season.

The Seminoles’ offensive line must be flawless in pass protection to give Daniels time to find Robinson.

This Clemson game is winnable for Florida State. However, history is on the side of Clemson.

It will take a game-changing, superior talent to change history. Put the football in Robinson’s hands.