This weekend marks the beginning of ACC conference play for the Seminoles. The team will travel far north, as FSU takes on the Boston College Eagles in an early noon kickoff game on ABC.
The Eagles currently sit at 1-1 on the season. They were upset in heartbreaking fashion in their season opener against Northern Illinois, losing 27 to 24 in an overtime affair. Last week, they survived a scare in a nail-biter at home against Holy Cross, 31 to 28.
Last season’s result wasn’t close, as FSU pummeled Boston College in Tallahassee, 44 to 14. It was a game filled with big-play ability from the offense. Florida State came out and set the tone early, with Trey Benson returning the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Benson and the running back room had a big game, as did Jordan Travis, who had his breakout performance with a then-career-high 321 yards on only 16 completions. Florida State is 9-1 in the last 10 matchups against Boston College.
Perhaps the biggest talking point coming into this game involves the weather. Much of the New England coast is expected to get impacted by Hurricane Lee. The likelihood of this contest even occurring has been called into question. However, no cancellation has been announced, with everything still planned according to schedule. The scoring could be slightly harder to come by than initially anticipated, due to resulting rain and wind gusts.
Statistical Breakdown
With the storm looming on the horizon, expect both teams to prioritize keeping the ball on the ground. The Seminoles have a sizable advantage in this aspect. The stable of running backs is deeper, more talented, and simply more experienced and proven. FSU has rushed for 220.5 yards per game thus far. Meanwhile, the Eagles are one of the worst run defenses in the entire country. They’re giving up 215 yards and over three touchdowns per game early in the season. BC boasts an average of 176 rushing yards per game. However, the Noles have been solid against it, allowing only 108 per game.
Scouting Report
QB Thomas Castellanos
The 5-10 sophomore from only a few hours up the road from FSU, in Waycross, Georgia has been electric for Boston College thus far. The UCF transfer has been the true definition of a dual threat in the early going. He’s thrown for a 58.8 completion percentage for 339 yards, four touchdowns, and only one interception. He’s also only been sacked once, showing his awareness and good decision-making in the pocket, utilizing his legs when he has to. And he has done so beautifully, as he’s also the leading rusher with 25 attempts for 136 yards and a touchdown. The FSU defensive line and linebackers will need to contain him and make stops behind the line of scrimmage to slow down their offensive game plan.
RB Kye Robichaux
Another Georgia product, Robichaux is the second-leader rusher with 21 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown. At six feet and 216 pounds, he possesses the type of frame that can make it tough for defenders to bring him down. He also possesses good vision out of the backfield, finding space where there sometimes seems to be little. He’s also shown decent ability as a pass-catcher, which could be important to look out for with checkdowns and short routes in the flats likely with the threat of inclement weather.
LB Vinny DePalma
DePalma has cemented himself as the unquestioned vocal leader of the Boston College defense. The 5-11, 232-pound senior from nearby Wayne, New Jersey has already logged 21 total tackles, which is eight higher than the next-highest figure of 13. He also recovered a fumble in last weekend’s victory over Holy Cross. DePalma has showcased an ability to seemingly appear all over the field at once. What he’s somewhat lacks in size, he makes up for with hustle and grit. His presence will be heavily needed for the Eagles’ defense, both in the short passing game and especially for defending the stout Seminoles rushing attack.
Prediction
It’ll be strength against strength, with the Seminoles’ elite defensive line against the strong run game of Boston College. The Eagles are a young team, and it’ll be a tall task to pull off the upset. FSU has been solid against the run, and it’s unlikely that will change now. The offense starts slow, but eventually finds its footing in the run game. FSU breaks the game open in the second half. The trenches have been fantastic on both sides of the ball for the Noles. The lines have been possibly even the most impressive position group. This game could end up looking eerily similar to last year’s outcome. There’s just too big of a gap in size, speed, intensity, and talent between these two rosters for it to be close.
This one has all the makings of a blowout.
FSU 38 – Boston College 10
Photo courtesy: Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK
