Johnny Wilson calls winning vs. Florida ‘normal’ for Florida State

For the second time in his two seasons at Florida State, Johnny Wilson was part of a win over the rival Florida Gators. It’s a trend that’s starting to feel very normal for the star wide receiver.

While preparing for the ACC Championship Game against Louisville, Wilson explained why it’s pretty much expected for the Seminoles to beat their rivals.

“It feels pretty normal at this point,” Johnny Wilson said. “I’ve only been here for two years, but undefeated against them and Miami. So, feels good but normal.”

In the most recent win against Florida, Johnny Wilson led Florida State in receiving with six receptions for 64 years. Throughout the game and amid turmoil at the quarterback position, Wilson was able to become a reliable target for Tate Rodemaker.

To Wilson’s point, Florida State hasn’t lost to either Miami or Florida during his two seasons with the Seminoles. However, it’s important not to overlook those rivalry games. Prior to Wilson’s time with the Seminoles, the Gators had won three in a row against Florida State. Miami also recently had a four-game winning streak. So, things can change quickly in this series.

At the same time, for now, Johnny Wilson and the rest of the Seminoles are focused on Louisville, the ACC Championship Game, and potentially making the College Football Playoff. However, without quarterback Jordan Travis, there are questions about the Seminoles as a Playoff team.

“Yeah, different team, right?” selection committee chair Boo Corrigan said. “Different team without Jordan Travis. Tate Rodemaker continues to, in the game and a half that he’s been playing, has done well, has kind of managed the game. Trey Benson getting three touchdowns during the course of that game, as we talked about last week, it’s more than just one player, but obviously they’re a different team without Travis.”

Mike Norvell analyzes how Johnny Wilson has handled injuries this season

Throughout the season, Johnny Wilson has had to deal with injuries. As head coach Mike Norvell explained, he worked hard throughout the season despite not being fully healthy.

“In the last game, I think he had five catches in the first half, coming back. So, you saw that,” Norvell said. 

“I mean, he is training, and now he’s done a good job in his preparation. Nobody likes to miss any time. But when you do, you got to be ready to bounce back when you get back and you are fully healthy. So, I know he’s been working this week. He got some work in last week, continuing to build towards that, and we’re hopeful for what it could be.”