Florida State is about to start a new temporary chapter under the guidance of interim coach Rick Stockstill. The Mike Norvell era in Tallahassee is officially over, and the Seminoles have a perfect chance to put the loss to Clemson behind them against Boston College in Week 10.
Stockstill brings decades of experience to the team in a far more prominent role after previously serving as an offensive analyst on the staff. The promotion is notable as Stockstill spent nearly two decades as the coach of Middle Tennessee, and he will be handing over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. With the firing of defensive coordinator Tony White, linebackers coach Ernie Sims will be taking over the defensive playcalls.
The Seminoles also announced a new outside hire yesterday, as former UConn and Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni joined the staff as a defensive analyst. The timing is key for Florida State, since Sims is relatively new to play-calling, and Pasqualoni could be a good guide for the interim defensive coordinator.
Pasqualoni was coaching in the NFL while Sims was still playing, and those decades of experience are critical. Due to his connection to Boston College, with his son and daughter on the staff, Pasqualoni will begin assisting the team after the game against the Eagles.
Florida State vs. Boston College odds, spread, and total
Game odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- FSU -235
- BC +190
Spread
- FSU -6.5 (-110)
- BC +6.5 (-110)
Total
- 52.5 (over -106/under -114)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change
Final Prediction
There are just four games left this season, and afterwards, Stockstill will almost certainly shift into a different role or leave the staff entirely. This could serve as a tryout of sorts for the veteran coach, who could secure a more lucrative job if the Seminoles perform well.
Between what is in it for Stockstill to the team potentially being more motivated to prove themselves, Florida State could get back in the win column against Boston College.
Norvell may not have been a fan favorite towards the end of his tenure in Tallahassee, but there is no denying that he has had some diehard supporters on the team. There are a lot of players who love Norvell, and with his sudden firing in the middle of the season, that could serve as an added bit of motivation for the team.
Outside factors aside, Florida State should have the stronger team heading into the game, even with a mountain of injuries. Boston College has the second-worst passing attack in the ACC, with an average of 187.3 yards per game. In the 47-2 loss to Duke last week, the team averaged five yards per completion and 2.4 yards per carry.
Duke happens to have arguably the top defense in the conference, but the reality is that the Eagles have been held under 20 points four times this season. Even at full strength, the team just isn't that great on offense, and the backups did not play any better against the Blue Devils. Florida State should be able to contain the Eagles for the most part, especially if the team can secure a few sacks.
The only problem Florida State could run into involves Ashton Daniels, as the Eagles have developed a reputation for snagging interceptions. Daniels threw three last game against Clemson, and with a further injured running game this week, the Seminoles will need him to throw the football. Daniels cannot make mistakes through the air since the secondary is more than capable of taking advantage.
Prediction: FSU 28, BC 21
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