For the first time in over 1,000 days, Florida State football won a road game. The Seminoles defeated Boston College 31-24 in Chestnut Hill on Saturday afternoon in interim head coach Rick Stockstill’s first game.
The Noles got off to a rough start, falling behind 10-0 late in the first quarter after two BC field goals and two Florida State three-and-outs. However, three second-quarter FSU touchdowns gave the Noles a 21-17 halftime lead, before Ashton Daniels led a brilliant 14-play, 90-yard touchdown drive with the game tied at 24, taking 8:16 down in the fourth quarter to secure the seven-point victory.
Even though Saturday was awkward, it was important for FSU to get the monkey off their back by winning on the road and giving Stockstill a launching pad for the final three weeks of the season. Below, the TN team breaks down Saturday’s performance and asks if Florida State can become bowl eligible for the first time in three years.
1. How did Rick Stickstill perform as Acting HC and Ernie Sims as Acting DC?
Jacob Smith: There were some calls I didn’t agree with, but overall they handled the situation as well as one would expect in their first game as interim coach. BC was never a real threat, but you get there early and you come back, and that’s how games go sometimes.
Tony Morris: I thought everything was fine on the playcall, but that fake kick for a touchdown was fun to watch. Ernie Sims looked terrifying on the bench and I loved the energy he brought.
NoleThruandThru: Meh. It looked close at times, as was to be expected, but a few funny calls were mixed in. You’re playing with the house money, so let it all hang out.
FrankDNole: Ernie Sims did very well, but it’s so obvious that our talent level is below average. But I like the fact that he put the pressure on at the end.
JS: I thought there would be ups and downs, as expected. Stockstill had a good impression so far, highlighted by the fake field goal for a touchdown. Ernie Sims didn’t have a feel for Boston College’s running game and struggled on third down. But when the defense had to stop after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, it delivered on its promise to close out the victory.
2. How impressive were the freshmen today, especially RB Amari Thomas?
Jacob Smith: Thomas was absolutely fantastic. Nearly a hundred yards and 2 touchdowns. I’m not sure you can ask much more of a freshman!
Tony Morris: FSU freshmen on top! (Shouting out to me) but seriously, Amari stepped up in moments that were desperately needed, like with Jasen Lopez. The future is bright at Tally.
NTAT: Amari showed today why I was such a big fan of his when he was recruited (and was thrilled when he joined the class). He’s a fun player with a bright future. My boy Jasen Lopez also did a great job with his opportunities. Some great young talents to remember for next year.
FDN: Exceptional. More than I expected from him. He’s got the goods.
JS: If there was one position group Mike Norvell got right, it was running backs. Thomas ran like a veteran and continued to gain additional yards. He made several defenders miss in the hole, and his 19 carries, 98 yards and two touchdowns were the difference in the game. However, another freshman, Jasen Lopez, turned the tables with a punt return in the first quarter. Is he sure he wants to play basketball too?
3. Rate Ashton Daniels’ performance:
Jacob Smith: 5/10. He did what he needed to do for FSU to win the game. It wasn’t a good performance, make no mistake, but a win is a win and with this interim staff, that’s all we can ask for.
Tony Morris: 6/10, threw his usual pick and just didn’t look good overall, but a win is a win.
NTAT: 5/10. He is who we thought he was.
FDN: He hasn’t thrown a pick in situations where he might have done so in the past. The reported interception could have been the exception. The grounding was a terrible decision when he had over 4 seconds to legally dump it. It just can’t process quickly. In many situations, if he took off right after his first two reads, he would be much more effective.
JS: His short-distance running has kept several workouts alive, and we shouldn’t overlook the fact that he’s willing to stick his nose in the mix. However, his reads were slow as usual, and he didn’t vary when to throw fastballs and when to throw with touch. As others have mentioned, this game was very much to his liking, so call it 5/10.
4. Were you surprised by FSU’s reaction after falling behind 10-0?
Jacob Smith: This game seemed like one of those “feel good” games to me, that is, the start of a very, very long climb to the top of the mountain. So, yeah, call me a little surprised they came back.
Tony Morris: Honestly no, I thought the first few drives would be iffy, but they finally settled in and got to work on the field.
NTAT: Not surprised at all. It was like FSU’s day and the team responded as you would expect.
FDN: Not too much because I knew our offense was better than BC’s defense and would score.
JS: I was surprised. They seemed so flat on both sides of the ball, and wet and cold road trips always seem to end in disaster. As mentioned, credit Lopez for turning the game around with his 38-yard punt return.
5. With three games left, will FSU be bowl eligible and why?
Jacob Smith: I don’t think so. Florida & Pitt is going to be a loss. I think they barely miss a game. We may not be there yet, but trust the process, y’all.
Tony Morris: I could see with the NC State game, Pitt and UF will be tougher but as we have seen all season, this team can hang with the best and also the worst.
NTAT: I’m going to say no. FSU will eliminate one more opponent and finish 5-7.
FDN: Yes, they just need to win two of the next three games, and I think it’s doable.
JS: They won’t be bowl eligible and will only win one of their next three games.
Gn sports
