Here’s everything you need to know for Friday’s Florida State football game against Boston College in Week 9.
As a Seminole fan, writing this preview makes me morose. At the beginning of 2017’s season, most of us would have predicted that the ‘Noles would dance into Boston and emerge victorious while barely breaking a sweat. That was before the Seminoles imploded.
The ‘Noles haven’t had this abysmal a season since Bobby Bowden’s first year as head coach in 1976. For those of you keeping track, that is over four decades of quality football. Seriously, we may be a bit spoiled, but the Seminoles have the nation’s longest bowl streak. The team has advanced to a bowl game for thirty-five years.
Conversely, Boston College is on a hot streak and is looking for revenge after the last few times the ‘Noles came into Boston. In 2016, Florida State battered Boston like a tornado, leaving devastation in their wake with a 45-7 victory.
This year’s game won’t be comparable — the ‘Noles are favored, but by the smallest margin.
Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Florida State vs. Boston College game:
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Date: Friday, Oct. 27
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Venue: Alumni Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
The Seminoles are 2-4 and still have five games left this season. The injuries to key players continue to mount. The ‘Noles still have a great defense and are starting to do something with their running game. If they can take advantage of the few tools they have left and run over the Eagles’ weak front seven they should have a shot. The Seminoles’ offense is a work in progress, so they will depend on their defense to take the day.
Boston College is doing well on both sides of the ball, and they should have some confidence coming into this game. The ‘Noles have the defense and a great deal of pride on the line. We’ll see if their solid defense and improving offense can keep their bowl hopes alive.
The Seminoles aren’t completely decimated. Cam Akers is a human bullet train, and quarterback James Blackman still managed two touchdowns and 248 yards against Louisville. This game will be close, and it will come down to which team wants it more. The only thing in the Seminoles’ favor is that they have always been a strong third and fourth-quarter team, and this may be their saving grace.
Betting Odds
Betting odds courtesy of SportsBook Review
Point Spread: Florida State -2.5
Over/Under: 45
Prediction
Earlier this season, I would have said that Clemson would be the ‘Noles only challenge, but that was before. Now the Seminoles are having to fight for every point that they get. Also, take into consideration that Syracuse took down Clemson in a flukey victory and Boston College beat Louisville.
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Nothing is certain for the ‘Noles this season, and even the most diehard devotees — myself most vehemently included — are now simply hoping we won’t embarrass ourselves too much. From an emotional standpoint, I’d love to give it to the ‘Noles, but with injuries and mismanagement this season this game is no longer a given. I’ll give the edge to the Seminoles, but only slightly.
Final Score: Florida State 17, Boston College 16