FSU football: Boston College embarasses FSU in home opener

FSU football knew they needed to win against Boston College on Monday night to keep its seasonal goals alive. However, they didn't play like it on either side of the ball and got embarrassed 28-13. The FSU defense forced a punt on Boston College's first possession only because former FSU running back Treshaun Ward dropped a wide-open pass that might have gone for a touchdown had he caught it. The FSU offense went three and out on its first possession and only ran six plays in the first quarter. Boston College took advantage of FSU's linebacker play with several wheel routes to former FSU running back Treshaun Ward and scored touchdowns on their next two possessions. They ran the ball at will, converting 6 of 9 third downs in the first half. The FSU defense managed to force a couple of punts, and FSU wasted two red zone possessions, with DJ Uiagalelei missing a wide-open touchdown throw to Darion Williamson.

FSU went into halftime losing 14-6 but received the ball first in the second half. Mike Norvell elected to go for it on fourth and five on their 45-yard line, with DJ Uiagalelei throwing an interception that returned to the FSU seven-yard line. FSU couldn't get quick stops on defense, and when they did it ate up a lot of clock. Boston College punched it in for a touchdown and a 21-6 lead.
That decision might have changed the game, but I understand why he went for it. FSU eventually trimmed the lead to 21-13 on a Uiagalelei touchdown pass to Kentron Poitier. However, the FSU defense allowed Boston College to march down the field on eight plays to push their lead to 28-13 with 1:03 left in the third quarter. That was the ball game. It was a pathetic effort all around. The offensive line couldn't block and the defensive line couldn't stop the run. DJ Uiagalelei missed wide-open guys. Kyle Morlock dropped multiple wide-open passes. The linebackers were terrible once again, and Boston College was the more physical team. This isn't hyperbole, but Mike Norvell will have to find a way to keep these guys engaged or FSU may not make a bowl this season.