James Wilder, Jr. extends for one of his two touchdowns in the 51-7 win against Boston College. (US Presswire) |
FLORIDA STATE WON. The Seminoles needed a strong bounce-back after their performance at NC State last week, and Boston College had the misfortune of facing a Seminoles team ready to pile on the points. Florida State totaled 649 yards of offense, and five players scored touchdowns in the 51-7 win.
HOW FLORIDA STATE WON: The Seminoles did a much better job this week of finishing. Unlike last week, when the Seminoles struggled to get first downs, punter Carson Beatty only made two appearances all game. Florida State scored touchdowns on four of its first five possessions, and four of the Seminoles' six red-zone trips throughout the game ended with seven points.
EJ Manuel got to watch the final possessions from the sideline after completing 27 of 34 passes for 439 yards and four touchdowns. As they have done in other blowouts this season, Florida State's depth at the skill positions was shown off in the 649-yard offensive performance. Devonta Freeman, Chris Thompson, James Wilder Jr. and Lonney Pryor all made significant contributions to 201 team rushing yards, while Manuel spread his impressive passing total between 10 receivers.
Defensively, Florida State executed exactly the way you would expect against Boston College. The Eagles only totaled 225 yards of offense, with the Seminoles' reserves causing just as much damage as the starters did in the first half. Boston College only converted on three of 15 third downs and only averaged 3.9 yards per pass completion. It was lockdown for four quarters -- the type of performance many expected.
WHEN FLORIDA STATE WON: When they walked back onto the field for the second half. The Seminoles marched 75 yards in 3:15 and capped off an eight-play drive with a Lonnie Pryor touchdown to start the third quarter. The drive was seemingly effortless, and the score gave Florida State a 38-7 lead. Both teams started digging into the depth chart midway through the third quarter, and any comeback possibilities were put to rest.
WHAT FLORIDA STATE WON: For one, it was the fifth time this season that the Seminoles put up 49 points or more. But the game got out of hand so quickly, I don't know if you can point your finger to this and declare Florida State "fixed" after the loss to NC State. It was absolutely the kind of performance that can indicate they are getting back on track. The Eagles were fresh off that embarrassing loss to Army, and it appeared that the coaches and players alike were just going through the motions by the end of the third quarter.
WHAT BOSTON COLLEGE LOST: The Eagles ran into Florida State at the wrong time and never really had much of a chance heading into Doak Campbell Stadium. I suspect that Brad Bates, the new Boston College athletic director, will not look fondly upon this effort when reviewing Frank Spaziani's performance at the end of the year.
Get updates from around the ACC with the Week 7 Buzz from ACC RapidReporters Shawn Krest and Shawn Bielawksi
Keep up with the latest college football news from around the country. From the opening kick of the year all the way through the offseason, CBSSports.com has you covered with thisdaily newsletter. View apreview.
Get CBSSports.com College Football updates on Facebook