FSU Football 2016 Preseason Preview: Game 10 vs. Boston College
By Jason Parker
Here is a look at how the 2016 season will play out for FSU football with our game preview and prediction.
As we get closer and closer to the 2016 season kicking off in the world of college football, FSU football is preparing for their spot as one of the teams that will compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff when the regular season is over. The Seminoles will have their work cut out for them, with eight games against teams that went to bowl games in 2015 (including six of their first eight opponents) as well as one team that made a run in the FCS playoffs last season.
While it starts and ends with SEC opponents in the Sunshine State (two of the nine games being played in the state of Florida this season for FSU football), there are plenty of challenges in between and potential road blocks that could keep the ‘Noles from winning the fourth national title in program history.
How will the ‘Noles fare this season when they take the field for the 12 games currently on their schedule? Is there a team that will come out on top and keep FSU football from being perfect in a season of such hope? Here’s our look at how the Seminoles will do in the regular season in 2016.
Game Ten – vs. Boston College (November 11th)
Series Record: Florida State leads 10-4
For just the fifth time since the 1983 season, the Seminoles will host a weekday night game as they play a Friday night contest against the Eagles thanks to the ACC’s “wonderful” television contract with ESPN. It will be the second straight year the teams will play on a Friday night, which says a lot about what the league and its TV partners think about Boston College.
The good news for the conference’s representatives from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is that things can’t get much worse than they did in 2015. After going winless in the ACC and averaging just under 11 points a game, the offense will be switching to a pro style attack and has an actually quarterback this year in Kentucky transfer Patrick Towles. He won’t have much at receiver, though, so expect a decent amount of running back Darius Wade.
The irony is that the defense in 2015 was one of the best nationally, giving up just over 250 yards a game. Much of that talent left for the NFL and graduated, but there is still enough of a nucleus to keep teams like the ‘Noles on their toes.
With that in mind, the Seminoles offense will have their choice of what they want to beat the Eagles with. If they are able to give Dalvin Cook some rest the week before, he should be good to go for a 150-yard game, making up for what he didn’t do last year against the Eagles. You can also expect a lot more simple slants and other high percentage passes in an effort to stay healthy.
Key Factor
Since joining the ACC, Boston College has been notoriously tough for the Seminoles. FSU football has an 8-3 record, including six straight wins, but has notoriously had to fight for everything…including only being up 7-0 in the fourth quarter last year before Jalen Ramsey’s fumble return for a touchdown. The ‘Noles need to recognize this will be a 60 minute fight.
Prediction
Anyone who has been associated with FSU football in anyway knows the frustration with weekday games in the ACC. From Warrick Dunn’s touchdown that didn’t count in 1995 to losses on the road at N.C. State, Clemson and others to even close wins, it’s too much sometimes for us to take. Let’s just get this one over, clinch the Atlantic Division and move on. Florida State 41 Boston College 14