- What: NCAA Football Regular Season Game
- When: Monday, September 2nd
- Who: Boston College vs. Florida State
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Doak Walker Stadium (Tallahassee, FL)
Boston College is gearing up to kick off a new college football season, facing off against 10th-ranked Florida State.
Boston College Eagles
The Eagles will face a tough challenge against the formidable college football powerhouse. Additionally, some offensive players need to step up their game this season.
Quarterback Thomas Castellanos had a mixed performance last season, throwing for 2,248 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions and rushing for 1,113 yards and 13 scores. He needs to exercise more caution to avoid turnovers and provide Florida State with scoring opportunities.
Go out there and earn it. pic.twitter.com/yV3CofBBSb
— Boston College Football (@BCFootball) September 2, 2024
Kye Robichaux ran back for 780 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, while Alex Broome is also a potential contributor after gaining 288 yards and one score last season.
The Eagles have promising pass catchers. Lewis Bond is their top receiver, amassing 646 yards and seven touchdowns from 52 receptions. Dino Tomlin, with 312 receiving yards from 24 catches, is expected to play a larger role this season.
While the defense has some uncertainties, there is potential for impact players. George Rooks recorded 13 solo tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble last season, but the rest of the defense needs to step up their game.
If Boston College can take an early lead and then effectively contain the Florida State offense, they have a good chance of covering the spread.
Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles had a rough weekend. They managed only 291 total yards of offense, with just 146 passing yards. They struggled on third-down conversions, going 5 for 12. The team needs better production from its quarterback.
Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had a challenging game, passing for just 193 yards and failing to score any touchdowns. He’ll need to step up to give FSU a chance at winning. Williams also struggled, rushing 12 times for only 38 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry.
On the bright side, Lawrence Toafili rushed eight times for 32 yards and scored a touchdown. Ja’khi Douglas had four catches for 55 yards, and Malink Benson had four catches for 39 yards.
The next opportunity is tonight#NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/ZmIcw6LaNx
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) September 2, 2024
The offense needs to step up and be more efficient to avoid getting stuck. They also need to find ways to score earlier in the game so they’re not constantly playing catch-up.
The defense had some lapses, as they failed to garner a sack or force a turnover despite limiting Georgia Tech. This inability to make defensive plays often results in losses.
During the final drive, the defense had multiple opportunities to make crucial stops but ultimately failed to do so, allowing Georgia Tech to set up the winning play.
For Florida State to cover the spread, Uiagalelei will need to pass and run the ball efficiently, and their defense will need to improve significantly.
Eagles-Seminoles Best Bet
After returning from Dublin, Florida State has seen a resurgence in energy. They utilize practice sessions to hone in on the basics and address the errors from their initial loss.
In their game against Georgia Tech, the Seminoles faced challenges, with only one run exceeding 12 yards and a 33% stuffed rushing attempt rate.
However, the upcoming match against Boston College presents a potential opportunity, as their defense may struggle to contain the run this season.
Notably, it’s anticipated that Castellanos and Ward of Boston College won’t be as effective in generating explosive plays as Georgia Tech.
With the Eagles’ passing attack ranking poorly in Success Rate and Castellanos’ on-target passing performance, Florida State’s secondary is poised for improvement.
The introduction of Boston College’s new 12 personnel is expected to encounter difficulties against a well-prepared Florida State team following their recent televised setback.
Despite the initial challenges, the Seminoles are primed to showcase refined fundamentals. Despite the prevailing pessimism surrounding Norvell’s team, a positive turnaround is anticipated.
Take the Seminoles to cover the 15.5-point spread and win their home opener going away.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
