Boston College vs. Florida State: Final Thoughts And Predictions
On Saturday the Boston College Eagles will play against the Florida State Seminoles in their annual Red Bandana Game honoring fallen hero Welles Crowther. This is a special moment that honors a man who exemplified the essence of "men and women for others". If you haven't already head over to BC Unlimited and read Dan Rubin's tribute to Welles, it's worth it.
But there will also be a football game played as well, and it's a big one. Boston College a team that was left for dead a few weeks ago could be on the brink of becoming bowl eligible, they just need to take care of business against a Florida State team in transition. The Noles as we talked about earlier this week fired head coach Willie Taggart after a 9-12 career in Tallahassee. The impetus came last weekend when FSU looked completely unprepared and got trounced by rival Miami.
But FSU is not a team to take lightly. They are now coached by long time assistant Odell Haggins, and players love him. They certainly have untapped athleticism and talent, with players like Tamorrion Terry and Cam Akers. But with the weather hovering around 38 degrees, could this be the type of game that BC punches them in the mouth and they wilt? We shall see.
Three Questions That Need To Be Answered Against Florida State
Matchups (These are all based on FSU not quitting like they did against Miami)
When Florida State Runs The Ball: Advantage Florida State. You might actually be shocked if you look at the actual rankings here. Florida State's rushing offense is 109th in the country, which is crazy given they have Cam Akers in the backfield. But don't be fooled by this, if he gets a step on the BC defense he will be a problem. FSU's offensive line could be as bad as Syracuse's was last week though which is worth watching.
When Florida State Passes The Ball: Advantage Florida State. FSU has two quarterbacks Wisconsin transfer Alex Hornibrook and James Blackman, neither of them have done anything impressive this year. But the Noles have some talent at WR, and that could be enough to give BC's defense trouble.
When Boston College Passes The Ball: Advantage Florida State. Dennis Grosel has done a fine job since taking over at quarterback, but Florida State has some elite defensive backs.
When Boston College Runs The Ball: Advantage Boston College. This could be the biggest factor of all, BC's rushing attack could pound the will out of a team that just quit last week, and has had a history of quitting when they get punched in the mouth.
Beer Of The Game
Cape Ann Pumpkin Stout: This is going to be my beer of the game only because I thought it was no longer being brewed, and I found out last weekend it still was! One of my favorite gourd inspired beers, hard to find but perfect for a cold autumn football game. Pumpkin flavor is very subtle, so for those of you that hate those beers.
Song of the Week
EPMD: Headbangerz (Warning Explicit Content). While contemplating what BC needed to do to win this game, this was the first song that came to my head, and why mess with perfection.
Fan Excitement: 7/10
Yes, BC is only sitting at 5-4, and yes all signs point to another seven win plateau. But, this is the Red Bandana game, an event that brings a certain aura to the Heights, and gets the team playing at another level. And it's Senior Day and the last home football game until next year, so there needs to some excitement right?
Prediction Contest
It is not too late to join our contest, BC Maven is giving away a $25 gift card to the BC Bookstore for the winner, $15 for second and $10 for third. Remember all you have to do is get your predictions in the comment section below. If you want to win, just enter your comment with your score. Good luck!
Standings
Big Daddy Kane: 9 Points
BC2018Stas: 5 points (closest Syracuse score)
Claver 2000: 4 points
Txaggie_2011: 4 points
RiderBC: 3 points
DollardBillsYo: 1 Point
Rstarr2: 3 points
Squishy: 3 points
Soar22: 3 points
The Other Flutie: 2 points
TheThrowGame: 2 points
Al_Skinner: 1 Point
DJ Maher: 1 Point
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AJ's Prediction:
Boston College 38 Florida State 30: I came inches away from picking this to be a blow out given the turmoil in Tallahassee, but I still have concerns about Boston College's defense, so I'll go with this being a shootout that ends with one of the Buffalo Boys scoring the touchdown to seal it.