Florida State Seminoles

FSU Football 2016 Gameday Preview: vs. Boston College

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Here’s a preview of FSU football and their next battle during the 2016 football season.

For the Florida State Seminoles, the final three weeks of the 2016 regular season bring some promise to a season that has had its share of disappointment. After a much needed, come from behind win last weekend, FSU football will now be the favorite in likely all three of their final games – keeping hope alive for a 10 win season and at least ending on a positive note.

It all starts this weekend – well, Friday to be exact – against a Boston College team that has given the Seminoles all they could handle for much of the time they have been members of the ACC. While FSU football should win when it’s all said and done, it wont be a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination. But, considering 15 of the 29 wins since the 2014 season started have been come from behind by the ‘Noles, why start anything new now?

Here’s our preview of this week’s game between the Seminoles and the Eagles.

Nov 5, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher watches his team during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Last Time FSU Football Took The Field

Raleigh was almost a house of horrors again for the Seminoles, as they were within moments of again dropping a game on the road to N.C. State. Down by 10 with seconds to go in the third quarter, the Seminoles got a touchdown run from Dalvin Cook (who only had 65 yards on the night).

Then, in the fourth quarter, a floating pass from Deondre Francois landed in the hands of Travis Rudolph for the go ahead score with three minutes to go. After that, the defense remembered how to play just long enough to stop the Wolfpack and escape with the 24-20 win, guaranteeing FSU football at least a .500 record for the 40th straight season, as well as continuing a bowl streak of 35 straight years.

Nov 5, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles running back Tyler Rouse (35) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Stadium. The Louisville Cardinals won 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Key Matchup

FSU front seven vs. Boston College run game

At the risk of jinxing everything, the Eagles offense is bad. No, they aren’t just bad, they are horrendous. The worst part has to be the passing game, led by graduate transfer Patrick Towles. After coming over from Kentucky, he was supposed to be the savoir…but as led BC to a passing offense that is ranked 116th nationally in the FBS (out of 128 teams). What that means is that the only way the Eagles can win is if their run game – which is ranked 89th nationally – goes off. If DeMarcus Walker, Josh Sweat, Derrick Nnadi, Matthew Thomas and the rest of the group can keep that unit in check, it will be smooth sailing and the defense will look phenomenal.

Interesting Note

Since the Eagles have joined the ACC back in the 2005 season, FSU football holds an 8-3 record against the men from the commonwealth. That being said, Boston College has given the Seminoles quite a scare multiple times, as FSU has won six of the games by 14 points or less (four of those times while the ‘Noles were ranked and the Eagles weren’t) – including three by 10 or less. The last time the teams met in Tallahassee, it took a late field goal by Roberto Aguayo in a rainstorm to help the ‘Noles escape with a three point win.

Nov 5, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Tarvarus McFadden (4) is congratulated by teammates after an interception during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction

On the surface, this might just be the game that FSU football needs to get things righted for the rest of the season. After holding on for the win last week, the Seminoles need a convincing win to get their mind right heading into their final road game of the year, the regular season finale against a hated rival and a decent bowl trip. Yes, the Eagles have played the ‘Noles tough of late – including trailing just 7-0 in the fourth quarter last season – but with no offense to speak of, the Seminoles shouldn’t have much of a challenge. Florida State 41 Boston College 17