BC vs. FSU New Outlook for Eagles This Season

In recent years one would look at Boston College Vs. Florida State and say, hey...maybe the Eagles can pull off an upset.

Not this year, Jagz's men are undefeated and flying high after an emotional 14-10 comeback victory over Virginia Tech. The Eagles have convinced many they deserve to be #2 in the nation but some experts like Kirk Herbstreit still haven't bought in. Do the Eagles care? No. BC knows they are good, this is a focused team led by Matty "Ice" Ryan who have been shushing doubters all year.

For Florida State this season has been almost reminiscent of last year. Who sit at a disappointing 5-3 and already have 3 conference losses. Not to mention it is going to be mid 30's winds in the 50 MPH range and rain has already started in the Boston area. Florida State does have some positives to turn to. Can you name the last team to beat Boston College at home? It has been over 2 years but Florida State was the last team to beat BC in Chestnut Hill with a win in the 2005 ACC opener.

With tonight's conditions all signs point to this game being won with the running game. Both run defenses have been stingy this year but BC's has been better giving up 55 rushing yards per game compared to FSU's 94. The numbers show that Andre Calendar is simply better than Antone Smith. Calendar is averaging 4.9 yards per carry with 8 touchdowns while Smith is only averaging 4.1 yards per carry and 3 touchdowns. Clearly if this game is won in the trenches which I think it will be Boston College's line is better than Florida State's giving BC the advantage.

Xavier Lee has also really shot his team in the foot, with Boston College's storming defense look for Weatherford to be a deer caught in the headlights. Should FSU trail and resort to passing I envision a few INT's by this BC team leading the country in picks. That brings us to Matt Ryan, I don't see him throwing the ball today as much as he did last Thursday at Virginia Tech, although it is similar conditions it will be windier and colder tonight. Matt will make his plays though and could throw for 1 or 2 TD passes.

All in all, I see BC in a defensive struggle tonight. Florida State is Florida State but for the 2nd straight year I see BC just out executing and out perfoming them in a 20-3 victory.

And hey, with Kirk Herbstreit calling this game maybe BC can earn some respect in his "fav five"