Thoughts From the Game | Boston College-Florida State

photo courtesy of Big Bhang

Offense

The offense is finally showing signs of getting back to the bread and butter: the running game. Boston College ran 47 running plays Saturday Night compared to just 27 pass attempts. This is what BC needs to be doing. We have two very talented, very quick running backs. Harris played another outstanding game. He came up with big play after big play all night. He was the key component to the final drive that took up nearly 7 1/2 minutes and sealed the victory. Haden made some nice contributions, including a long pass reception for 57 yards where he tip toed down the sideline before he was caught from behind. Crane played surprisingly well despite 3 turnovers. Chris made big plays when we needed him to, both with his arm and legs. The encouraging sign was the long completions down the middle of the field. BC was able to stretch the field against Florida State, and I think this really helped the rushing attack towards the end of the game. We also need to recognize the performance by the offensive line. The key to the game was Boston College's domination up front. The entire unit stood out last night. Crane had plenty of time all game and there were plenty of holes for the backs to run through. Castonzo really excelled, he effectively shut down Everette Brown a feat not many team have been able to do.

Defense

Again, we have to go back to BC's dominance at the line of scrimmage. Raji and Brace completely owned the middle, which affected Florida State's entire rushing attack, Florida State was not able to gain anything up the middle. FSU's 2 primary backs, Smith and Thomas, gained a combined 17 yards on 13 carries. Ponder was limited to 20 yards. The only big run came from the fake punt by Gano, who was ironically the leading rusher for Florida State. Marty Bowman was the star defensively for the Eagles. His 87 yard interception return was perfect execution of a great blitz and coverage scheme. He also timed a safety blitz and recorded our only sack, although we did get constant pressure during the game. McLaughlin had a great game in the national spotlight, the announcers were calling his name all night. The secondary stepped up big again forcing 3 turnovers. Boston College leads to country with 21 interceptions. True Freshman Donnie Fletcher continues to impress recording his 3rd pick of the season.

Odds and Ends 

• Aponavicious made all of his kick attempts last night, the last of which was especially huge to seal the game
• Montel Harris recorded his 4th 100 yard rushing game of the year. (Freshman Record? I'll have to look that one up)
• The onside kick recovery was our first attempt of the season, and a great play call to catch the Noles off guard.
• Other than a few false starts early in the game, the crowd didn't seem to be a huge factor in the game. I saw on an FSU message board that many fans were upset the game wasn't a sellout despite the hype for the "Blackout".
• I hope BC doesn't try to use the gimmick jerseys anytime soon, it just never seems to work out for the home team (see Georgia this year, ND in 2002)
• BC has scored a non-offensive touchdown in 5 straight games, and 6 overall for the season.
• Coach Jags' is now 4-0 versus top 25 teams on the road and 5-1 overall.

Tags: Boston College Football, Boston College Eagles Football, BC Football, Boston College-Florida State