Report: Riley Leonard 'true game time decision' for Duke vs. Florida State

Riley Leonard will be a true game time decision for Duke when the Blue Devils take on Florida State on the road, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

However, if you were to place bets on if Leonard would be good to go, better put cash on him sitting on the bench. Thamel reported it would take up until kickoff, but Leonard is more likely than not missing tonight’s contest.

The ESPN insider provided the latest on College GameDay.

“Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, Rece, I’m told, is a true game time decision in Tallahassee tonight,” Thamel said. “My sources say he’s still unlikely to play but we’re gonna see Leonard dress for warm ups, go through a warm up so the decision is going to be made prior to the game. Henry Belin IV, who won his first career start against NC State last week, is expected to get his second career start today if Leonard can’t go.”

Belin IV went just four-of-12 passing for 107 yards last week in the win over NC State. However, he tossed two touchdowns and one interception. 

In five games this season, Leonard has 912 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, a 62.7% completion percentage, 326 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Duke-Florida State promising to be big showdown

Continuing, Duke and Florida State have both gotten out to excellent starts to the 2023 season, promising one of the more intriguing matchups in series history this weekend. And the early point spread has been released.

Earlier this week, Florida State opened up as a 14.5-point favorite over Duke, according to FanDuel. The over/under is set at 49.5.

Moreover, the Seminoles are undefeated and playing like one of the top teams in the country, in large part thanks to quarterback Jordan Travis. Travis has been elite throughout the season, even earning himself some Heisman Trophy talk. He has led the Seminoles to a 6-0 start, with very few of the team’s games actually in doubt.

Earlier this season, Florida State had a close call late against Boston College on the road, then beat Clemson in overtime. But other than those two games, the Seminoles have blasted every opponent they’ve faced. And they’ll get Duke at home. The challenge for Duke will be slowing Travis and company.

Additionally, Travis has plenty of weapons, too. Receiver Keon Coleman is perhaps the most dangerous of them, having logged 29 catches for 418 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s capable of plucking just about anything out of the air. Fellow receiver Johnny Wilson is also a real problem, with 20 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Stephen Samra contributed to this report