Boston College would be a contender for the national championship at the FCS level after destroying Maine and Howard. Now the Eagles get a real test when they host No. 9 Florida State in the ACC opener. BC outscored its first two opponents 100-3 and goes for a second straight home win over a ranked opponent in the third game of the year. BC knocked off No. 10 USC last season and is 5-2 ATS in its last seven against Florida State.
ODDS
Florida State hit the board as a 9-point favorite and the spread has bounced around, settling at its current 7.5. BC really is an unknown after two body-bag games against FCS schools, and could be blitzed by the size and speed of the Noles, giving FSU plenty of value minus the points. The total opened at 53 and was wagered down six points to 47.
KEY MISMATCH
Florida State’s offensive line paved the way for Dalvin Cook’s 266-yard performance last week, and coach Jimbo Fisher had one word to describe how confident he is in them: “Very.” After losing four starters to the NFL, the group was a major project heading into the season. But starters Roderick Johnson and Kareem Are on the left side, and Wilson Bell and Brock Ruble on the right side, with Corey Martinez at center, are getting the job done so far. FSU is averaging 275 rushing yards per game, ranked 17th in the nation, and have dominated its opponents in the second half scoring on all 11 possessions. BC allowed just 14 rushing yards in 48 attempts and leads the FBS with an average of 7.0 yards per game. But considering the competition, it’s hard to be impressed. Even coach Steve Addazio was questioning why his team played Howard after building a 62-0 halftime lead.
KEY STAT
11 – Florida State has scored on all 11 second half possessions outscoring its two opponents 65-13 in the process. BC didn’t even play a full game last week against Howard when the second half was shortened to 20 minutes after the Eagles led 62-0 at halftime.
BETTING ANGLE
In the past two seasons Florida State has won one national championship and lost in the national semifinals. Boston College went 7-6 both seasons losing in a pair of December bowl games. But BC has played the Seminoles close. In 2013, the Eagles jumped out to a 17-3 first half lead before Jameis Winston directed FSU to a 48-34 win. The points were the most allowed by the Seminoles on their way to the NCAA title, and the 14-point margin was by far the smallest in the regular season. In the rain in Tallahassee last year, BC tied the game and missed a field goal to take the lead. FSU hit its field goal with three seconds remaining for 20-17 win. The Eagles covered the spread in those two games and are 5-2 ATS in the last seven with FSU.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Eagles might be in for a big surprise when they face the Seminoles. Coming off a 76-0 scrimmage over Howard in a game that was reduced to 20 minutes in the second half, BC must now contend with the speed and physical play of FSU, something the young Eaglets haven’t seen yet this year and can’t be replicated in practice. Florida State is well aware of the Eagles upset bids the last two years and Fisher will have his boys prepped for this one. Everett Golson overcame a tough first half last week to lead FSU to a convincing win and Cook has been phenomenal on the ground. BC hasn’t been challenged this year and that will haunt them. This one could get ugly for the Eagles if Golson has a strong 60 minutes.
Florida State 34, Boston College 17
BookMaker sent out the college football spread for this game at Florida State -9 with a total of 53. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
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