Florida State Seminoles (2-4 SU, 0-4-2 ATS) vs. Boston College Eagles (4-4 SU, 5-3 ATS)
College Football Week 9
Date/Time: Friday October 27th, 2017. 8:00PM (ET)
Where: Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, M.A
TV: ESPN
by Jay, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: FSU -3/BC +3
Over/Under Total: TBA
If you would have told me that the Florida State Seminoles would be 2-4 SU after the first 6 games of the season before the year started, I would have bet my house, car, and everything that I own that you were wrong. Lucky for me, I still own everything because I did not have to make that bet. Unfortunately for Florida State, they cannot hide from the fact that this season has slipped away after letting another game get away last week in a 31-28 loss to Louisville. The Seminoles desperately need something to turn this season into the right direction. This week Florida State takes the road to Chestnut Hill to battle the 4-4 SU Boston College Eagles for a Friday night showdown on ESPN.
I know this Florida State team is suffering the growing pains with a freshman quarterback well before they had previously planned. However, last weeks loss was probably the most painful of all the losses thus far. The Seminoles rallied from 14 down in the 4th quarter and were trying to move the ball into scoring position for a game winning score. Instead, freshman James Blackman mishandled a handoff attempt allowing Louisville to recover and march down the field for a game winning field goal. The final turnover was the nail in the coffin but turnovers in general has plagued this team all season as Florida State ranks 123rd in the FBS with a -1.29 turnover margin. Only 6 teams have been worse so far this season.
The good news for Florida State is that the defense has played well and they got a shot at redemption on the national stage this Friday. Another positive to consider for this weeks matchup with the Eagles is that Florida State has won 7 straight over Boston College including a 45-7 thumping in Tallahassee last year. Still, the offense has to protect the football first and foremost. Blackman has been erratic with 7 touchdowns and 6 picks. He has a big arm but has not made the best decisions throwing the football. Meanwhile, the running game has not been as potent. Cam Akers leads the team with 454 yards on the ground but the offense as a team is averaging 54 yards less per game than they were a season ago.
For Boston College, this is an opportunity to knock off the mighty Seminoles which is something they have been unable to do for several years. The Eagles undoubtedly have confidence entering this Fridays matchup at home. They beat the same Louisville team that foiled the Seminoles this past Saturday and then followed up the victory with a 41-10 thrashing over Virginia last week. Freshman quarterback Anthony Brown posted his biggest performance of the season in the win over the Cavaliers. Brown completed 19 of 24 passing for 275 yards with 3 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Eagles rushing attack continued to strive with over 200 yards rushing. If you remember back to the win over Louisville, it was the rushing attack led by AJ Dillon that proved to be unstoppable in upset over the Cardinals. Dillon ran for 272 yards and 4 touchdowns in the victory over Louisville and added another 89 yards on 24 carries last week.
Obviously Dillon is one of the main focal points to this Boston College offense and I am certain that he will get another 20 plus touches again on Friday night. However for Boston College to win, I think Anthony Brown needs to have another big performance. Florida States s defense is still strong and I expect the Seminoles coaching staff to concentrate on stopping the run. Therefore if Brown can hit a few passes down the field, I believe that opens up the door for the running game to strive especially if they can get some help from the Boston College defense with ball control.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Florida State is the more talented team but they are playing ugly football. There have been turnovers, bad decisions, and at times poor execution. I want to play Florida State here because I know they are the better team but I cannot make my eyes forget how ugly they have played in recent weeks. They are also a dismal 0-4-2 ATS. Therefore, I will take Boston College +3. Where are you betting this game? Bet it for FREE by taking advantage of a 50% welcome bonus offered to new players at Bovada Sportsbook
