Florida State Football: 5 Things We Learned from the Boston College Game

Florida State has a history of struggling on Thursday night road games.  

With only a four-day turnaround between games, and traveling on their longest road trip of the season to face Boston College, the Seminoles' maturity and resiliency was sure to be tested. 

FSU passed with flying colors, jumping out to 28-0 halftime lead en route to a 38-7 victory over the Eagles. 

Their sixth win gets the ‘Noles bowl-eligible, ensuring that they will extend their nation-leading streak of appearing in postseason play for the 30th consecutive season.  

With consecutive home games against rival Miami and Virginia followed by a season-ending trip to Florida, the ‘Noles have a chance to finish the season on a strong note. 

Here are five things we learned from the Boston College game:

5. Defense Finding Its Groove

Boston College has given Jimbo Fisher’s squad fits since joining the ACC, especially in the trenches. 

This year, the Eagles were simply no match for the Seminoles on either side of the line of scrimmage. 

FSU never allowed Frank Spaziani’s offense to establish a ground game, and only after jumping out to a huge lead did the Eagles find a little bit of running room. 

Bjoern Werner had another dominating performance, and the entire front four were simply suffocating, only allowing the Eagles 207 yards of total offense. 

4. Offensive Line Adjusting

With center Bryan Stork being a late scratch from the starting lineup, FSU inserted another true freshman into action in Austin Barron. 

Considering how the ‘Noles have had their struggles running the ball this season, fans may have shuddered upon hearing this latest development. 

Their fears were somewhat eased after FSU scored four touchdowns on the ground.

However, the pass protection was suspect at times, with quarterback EJ Manuel taking some big shots in the first half. 

If Barron has to play going forward, offensive line coach Rick Trickett will have to get his troops on the same page quickly with athletic defenses in Miami and Florida looming.

3. Winning the Turnover Battle

Even though the Seminoles defense has been playing at an elite level all season long, the one area they consistently struggled was forcing turnovers.

Through their first seven games, the ‘Noles only forced six turnovers.

The last two games against N.C. State and Boston College, FSU has as many takeaways as points allowed—seven. 

Coincidentally in their four-game winning streak, FSU has only turned the ball over once per game. 

If FSU continues to win the turnover battle, they will be awfully tough to beat going forward. 

2. Protecting EJ Is Paramount

Quarterback EJ Manuel has played like the guy that most pundits predicted would be an All-ACC performer in the preseason since his return from a shoulder injury. 

However, if there is one area that has to concern FSU fans, it is the punishment he continues to take.   

Manuel has been sacked 11 times and blasted on many other designed quarterback runs and option plays during the ‘Noles four-game win streak. 

Considering how good they have looked with Manuel back in the lineup, protecting him should be a main priority for Fisher and the offensive line. 

1. 'Noles Becoming a Complete Team

Jimbo Fisher’s squad has now won four straight games by more than 25 points, and they scored more than 30 points in six straight games (longest streak since 2000). 

Their defense and special teams units have been equally as dominant over the last month. 

They have drastically cut down on turnovers and penalties that doomed them in their three losses earlier in the season. 

Meanwhile, they have managed to integrate several young, talented players into action without missing a beat.

If FSU can maintain this level of consistency, they have a great shot to win the rest of their games and build a ton of momentum for next season.