Boston College returns home and welcomes a Florida State state team in turmoil. The Seminoles are 3-5, having lost three straight games, and just fired head coach Mike Norvell. Their lone conference win came against UVA, though they've kept things close in a couple of tough matchups, losing in overtime at Miami and in the final minute to SMU. They nearly came back against Clemson last weekend, but a defensive collapse late in the game ended those hopes — and Norvell's tenure in charge. The two programs last met in Bill O'Brien's first game on the job in which the Eagles prevailed comfortably. Now Rick Stockstill will have his interim debut against Boston College. The former FSU quarterback has been the director of offensive scouting since 2024.
Offense
Ashton Daniels has been leading the way for FSU. The senior Stanford/Auburn transfer has a cannon of an arm and is a physical runner with great speed, but he is the definition of high-risk high-reward. He has 11 interceptions to 14 passing touchdowns. FSU is in the top 40 in passing yards per game with Daniels having thrown for nearly 2000 yards, but those two turnovers a game are among the nation's worst. He's going to hold on to the ball to try and make plays, and he has added 12 touchdowns on the ground, but he's also been sacked a 21 times. The perils of a mobile quarterback:
On the rushing front aside from Daniels, Ousmane Kromah had led the backfield before a recent season-ending injury. His absence really means more Daniels rushing, but Texas transfer Tre Wisner is now the leader in the clubhouse. Wisner is averaging almost five yards a carry and is more of an option out of the backfield thank Kromah was. He has 200+ yards both rushing and receiving.
Wide receiver Duce Robinson was lost for the season this past weekend. He holds a narrow lead on the team across key categories, though Daniels spreads the ball around pretty evenly. Jayvan Boggs and Micahi Danzy both have 20+ receptions and 400 yards receiving, just as Robinson eclipsed. Boggs often plays out of the slot, and freshman Jasen Lopez no will see more work with Robinson out.
Defense
Along with Norvell, FSU fired their defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Suffice to say, the defense has been quite a vulnerability. They're outside the top-100 across all fronts. The coaching upheaval here adds another challenge for an already struggling unit.
Opponents have converted nearly 42% of their third downs, and that was critical in how the Clemson game ended. The Semionles can put together stretches of respectable defense, such as the four sacks the had last weekend, but they aren't forcing the turnovers needed to offset the offense's giveaways. That's often putting them in more vulnerable situations and allowing more points than they would otherwise be expected.
FSU has size up front, but its rotating linebacking corps that make the biggest impact, particularly when rushing the passer. Ryland Kennedy plays that hybrid Jack role and leads with 6 sacks, although his coverage has been shaky. Chris Jones meanwhile leads the team with 56 tackles.
In the secondary, a key name to watch is Ja'Bril Rawls. The redshirt junior corner is a standout prospect, but after playing nearly every snap in the first 6 games, he saw limited action against Clemson. At safety, Ashylnd Barker is a veteran leader who leads with two interceptions and four pass breakups.
The Eagles offense couldn't possibly have a worse outing, and this defense is surrendering a lot. With plus field position given FSU's turnover rate, BC can bounce back with points on the board. I'm guessing this one is a high scoring shootout that comes down to the wire. I'll note also that FSU's kicker hasn't missed this year 7/7 with a long of 49 and 28/28 on PATs. I'm not sure how the fired coach bump works in college, but BC really has to win this game to get to bowl eligibility given the dates with Notre Dame next weekend and Miami to close.
