For the first time in more than 1,000 days, Florida State football has 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 in charge.
The Noles got off to a difficult start, falling behind 10-0 late in the first quarter after two BC scoring drives and two Florida State three-and-outs. However, three touchdowns in the second quarter from FSU 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, which took 8:16 off the clock in the fourth quarter to secure the seven-point victory.
While Saturday was clunky, it was important for FSU to get the monkey off their back by winning on the road and giving Stockstill a launchpad for the final three weeks of the season. Below, the TN team breaks down Saturday’s performance and whether Florida State can become bowl-eligible for the first time in three years.
1. How did Rick Stickstill do as interim HC and Ernie Sims do as interim DC?
Jacob Smith: There were some playcalls I disagree with, but overall they handled it about as good as one can expect for their first game as an interim coach. BC was never a real threat, but you get down early, come back, and that’s just how games sometimes are.
Tony Morris: I thought it was alright in the playcalling, that fake kick for a touchdown was fun to watch though. Ernie Sims looked terrifying on the sideline and I liked the energy he brought.
NoleThruandThru: Meh. Looked tight at times, to be expected, but some fun playcalling mixed in. You’re playing with house money so let it all hang out.
FrankDNole: Ernie Sims did very well but it is so sickeningly obvious our talent level is subpar. But I like that he brought pressure at the end.
JS: I thought there would be ups and downs, as expected. Stockstill had a good feel for the moment, emphasized by the fake field goal for a touchdown. Ernie Sims did not have a feel for the Boston College running game, and struggled on third down. But when the defense needed a stop after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, they delivered to close out the win.
2. How impressive were the freshmen today, specifically RB Amari Thomas?
Jacob Smith: Thomas was absolutely fantastic. Nearly a hundred yards and 2 touchdowns. Not sure you could ask for much more from a freshman!
Tony Morris: FSU Freshmen on top! (Giving myself a shoutout) but seriously Amari showed up big in moments that were desperately needed same with Jasen Lopez. Future is bright in Tally.
NTAT: Amari showed today why I was such a big fan of his during his recruitment (and was thrilled when he rejoined the class). He’s a fun player with a bright future. My boy Jasen Lopez did a great job with his opportunities, too. Some nice young talent to be retained for next year.
FDN: Outstanding. More than I expected from him. He has the goods.
JS: If there was one position group Mike Norvell got right, it was the running back room. Thomas ran like a veteran and kept churning for extra yards. He made multiple defenders miss in the hole, and his 19 carries, 98 yards, and two touchdowns made the difference in the game. However, another freshman, Jasen Lopez, flipped the game with a first-quarter punt return. Is he sure he wants to also play basketball?
3. Rate Ashton Daniels’ performance:
Jacob Smith: 5/10. He did what he needed to do for FSU to win the game. It was not a good performance, make no mistake, but a win is a win and with this interim staff, that’s all you 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 did not throw a pick in situations where he might have in the past. The tipped interception might have been the exception. The grounding was a terrible decision when he had more than 4 seconds to throw it away legally. He just can’t seem to process quickly. In so many situations if he would jusst take off after his first two reads, he would be so much more effective.
JS: His short-yardage running kept multiple drives alive, and we shouldn’t overlook that he is willing to throw his nose into the mix. However, his reads were slow as usual, and he does not vary when to throw fastballs and when to throw with touch. As others mentioned, this game was very on brand for him, so call it 5/10.
4. Were you surprised by how FSU responded after falling behind 10-0?
Jacob Smith: This game struck me as one of those “feel good” games, i.e. the beginning of a very, very long climb back to the mountain top. So, yes, call me a little surprised they came back.
Tony Morris: Honestly no, figured the first couple drives would be iffy but they finally settled in and got to work on the ground.
NTAT: Not surprised at all. This felt like FSU’s day and the squad responded like you’d want.
FDN: Not too much because I knew our offense was better than BC’s defense and would score.
JS: I was surprised. They looked 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 with his 38-yard punt return.
5. Three games to go, 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 just barely miss out by one game. We may not be there yet, but trust the process, y’all.
Tony Morris: I could see it with the NC State game, Pitt and UF will be tougher but as we’ve seen all season, this team can hang with the best but also the worst.
NTAT: I’m going to say no. FSU will knock off one more opponent and finish 5-7.
FDN: Yes, they just need to win two out of the next three, and I think that is doable.
JS: They will not get bowl-eligible and will only win one of their next three games.
