FSU Preview: Florida State versus Boston College

The ‘Noles will face the Boston College Eagles in the home opener on Monday at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

BC finished ‘23 with a record of 7-6 including a win over SMU in the Fenway Bowl. The Eagles new coach is former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien.

FSU is 15-5 against the Eagles in the all-time series. The ‘Noles won the game last year in Chestnut Hill, MA, 31-29.

Observations from the last game

Pre-snap decision making – like play calling, not audibling to a pass with 8 defenders near the line of scrimmage, personnel groupings and not lining up correctly on defense, put FSU in bad positions during most the contest. Missed tackles and letting one man block two were also major issues.

A couple of ‘Noles that stood out were receiver Ja’Khi Douglas (4 catches for 55 yards) and linebacker Blake Nichelson. The special teams were great with Ryan Fitzgerald knocking in 2 field goals from 50+.

Florida State offense versus Boston College defense

The Eagles will be geared up to stop the run, so I expect the ‘Noles to try and get the ball to Ja’Khi Douglas and Jaylin Lucas on the edges and maybe throw a couple of deep balls to Malik Benson. Once FSU is able to spread out the defense, Roydell Williams should be able to rack up a few big runs.

BC players to watch for on defense are defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaka, linebacker Kam Arnold (leading returning tackler with 65 last season) and cornerback Amari Jackson. The Florida State offense should be able to move the ball consistently if they can avoid mistakes and keep the defense off balance.

Florida State defense versus Boston College offense

The quarterback for the Eagles is Thomas Castellanos, who ripped up the Seminole defense last season with 400 yards of total offense. He made some clutch throws and converted a few 3^rd and longs with his legs. Castellanos’ dual threat capability is going to test the young linebackers and safeties. After last week’s poor performance this will be a worry for Florida State fans. With a game under their belts perhaps the defense can improve enough to contain Castellanos.

BC also returns starting running back Kye Robichaux and brought in former Seminole Treshaun Ward. The biggest receiving threats are Lewis Bond and North Carolina transfer, tight end Kamari Morales (67 catches and 10 TDs in his career). The Eagles offensive line is solid once again, but if the FSU defensive line stays disciplined it won’t be much of an issue.

Special Teams

Advantage: Florida State

Prediction

The ‘Noles will be better, but I don’t think a week is enough time to fix everything. Slowing down Castellanos is the most important part of the game so the communication between the linebackers and safeties and the defensive ends setting the edge must be improved.

FSU should contain BC’s run game enough to get the W. Florida State 30 Boston College 24.