Florida State-Boston College on Saturday in Tallahassee will provide the Seminoles with the second ACC test of the season. After a 35-31 win at Louisville last week, the Garnet and Gold shift focus to the Eagles. A win on Saturday at home would mark FSU’s first 4-0 start since 2014.
The Seminoles squeaked out a win at Louisville to open the 2022 ACC slate. While injuries continue to plague the program, Mike Norvell’s squad is still pushing through. Jordan Travis left the game last week but his status for week four is uncertain. Backup signal-caller Tate Rodemaker helped lead the Seminoles to a quality win in conference play. The Sophomore finished six-of-10 passing for 109 yards with two scores and an interception. Despite the turnover, Rodemaker was able to take hold of the offense and do what was necessary to win.
Florida State-Boston College Preview
Following a close win, the Seminoles now begin preparations for Boston College. Sitting at 3-0, Florida State has already exceeded expectations for the season. Not many had the program starting off this hot. However, the Eagles come to town at 1-2.
Throughout the series history, FSU leads the all-time series 13-5. The Noles are on a current three-game win streak against the Eagles. In 2021, Florida State won 26-23 in Chestnut Hill. Entering this year’s match-up, the Seminoles are the better team on paper and on the field.
FSU Offense Could Look Different in Week 4
On offense, the Seminoles need to get the backfield going early. Boston College allows just 148 rushing yards per game, which ranks sixth in the ACC and 43rd nationally. If FSU can establish the rushing attack, that could put the Eagles’ defensive front on edge early. Noles tailback Treshaun Ward leads the ACC with 302 total rushing yards. However, should Jordan Travis start under center, the dual-threat quarterback could contribute in the running game.
In the passing game, the potential inexperienced starter could be an issue. Statistically, BC gives up 179 passing yards per game. While only three games in, the Eagles rank sixth in the ACC in passing yards allowed. Florida State has to attack the Eagles’ secondary by passing the ball heavily on first and second down. In 2022, Norvell’s team is averaging over 14 yards per pass attempt. Exploiting the Eagles’ defenders gives receivers Ontaria Wilson, Johnny Wilson, and Mycah Pittman an advantage. In its two losses to Rutgers and Virginia Tech, Boston College allowed 203 yards and one passing score.
Seminoles Defense Must Stand Ground
But Florida State has a better passing attack than Rutgers and VT combined. That could spell trouble for the Eagles in this match-up. In the first three games, FSU has passed the ball well. For Boston College, two players to watch are quarterback Phil Jurkovec and wide receiver Zay Flowers. In 2022, Jurkovec hasn’t necessarily lived up to expectations. Through three games, he is 63-of-106 for 738 yards with six touchdowns to three interceptions. Flowers has 22 catches for 285 yards and three scores.
A win on Saturday puts FSU in a prime position to be ranked in the AP Top 25 next week. With a marquee win over LSU in week one, the Noles are in a great position to be ranked. However, a loss here against a mediocre Boston College team spoils that. Florida State enters as a 16.5-point favorite. While that might be stretched, Norvell and his team are prepared to get a win inside Doak Campbell Stadium.
Defensively, FSU is without star Jared Verse. He is recovering from an injury and will likely not play this week. Norvell spoke to the media on Monday but didn’t give much insight into injury status. However, the Noles have playmakers that can still counteract Boston College’s offense in critical situations. Saturday’s Florida State-Boston College game should be another win for the Noles. BC lacks the ability to score 30+ points and is an average defensive team in the ACC.
