Boston College vs. Florida State College Football Week 1 Picks

Boston College Aims to Be Stronger

Offensive coordinator Will Lawing, who’s been with new Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien since their days at Penn State, now has the opportunity to lead an intriguing offense. The offensive line had a standout year and will likely repeat its success, which should bolster a strong running game.

Thomas Castellanos was electrifying last season. Now a junior, he threw too many interceptions (14 in 13 games) and faced some rough spots, but he also threw for 2,248 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns. He gave Florida State headaches, shredded SMU in the 23-14 Fenway Bowl win, and is poised to be even more dangerous this year.

Lewis Bond returns as a reliable veteran, and the additions of Jayden McGowan from Vanderbilt and Jerand Bradley from Texas Tech are significant. Lawing, who was the tight ends coach for New England last year, now has a solid player in Jeremiah Franklin, along with North Carolina transfer Kamari Morales.

But it’s not just Castellanos carrying the ground game. While he led the team in rushing, Kye Robichaux contributed 780 yards and eight touchdowns, Treshaun Ward adds depth after stints at Florida State and Kansas State, and UCF’s Jordan McDonald will also see his share of carries. They’ll be running behind an excellent offensive line.

Although star guard Christian Mahogany is gone, center Drew Kendall, tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and guard Logan Taylor are all likely to be All-ACC selections.

On the defensive side, coordinator Tim Lewis has found his place. With experience ranging from the NFL to the Alliance of American Football to the XFL, and now Boston College, he’s seen it all. Now, he needs to get this defense to penetrate the backfield.

Last season, the Eagles struggled to generate pressure and were poor against the run, averaging just one sack and 3.3 tackles for loss per game. However, all four starters are back on the defensive line, bringing size and experience. Now, they need to deliver on that potential.

The linebackers also need to step up and create disruption. Like the line, they have size, led by 232-pound Kam Arnold, who finished third on the team with 66 tackles. Getting Bryce Steele back in the middle after missing all of last season will be a big boost.

The transfer portal has been key in shoring up the secondary. Safety Cameron Martinez (Ohio State) and cornerback Bryquice Brown (Georgia State) are poised to be statistical standouts, but the star of the group is cornerback Amari Jackson. With a bit of help from the pass rush, this secondary could be formidable.

Georgia Tech Surprised Florida State

In a stunning upset, Georgia Tech shocked Florida State. Aidan Birr’s 44-yard field goal as time expired secured a dramatic 24-21 victory for Georgia Tech over Florida State at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

It was Florida State’s first loss in an ACC game since 2022. They were unbeaten in their previous 12 conference matchups.

“They did a good job of extending drives, and obviously making the plays that were necessary there until the end,” Florida State head coach Mike Norvell said. “I was proud of how our guys prepared. I thought the mindset and approach was good.”

“But as we got into the game, the smallest of things whether it is the discipline on the call or discipline of the overall execution… for me I’ve got to be better in helping put our guys in position to make those plays in the moment.”

After missing a 51-yard attempt earlier on the opposite end of the field, Birr redeemed himself with a right-footed kick that soared through the uprights with five seconds left on the clock. As time ran out, the Yellow Jackets rushed the field while the Seminoles were left in disbelief.

Birr’s game-winning kick capped a 12-play drive that covered just 49 yards but consumed the final 6:33 of the game.

Making his Florida State debut, D.J. Uiagalelei completed 19 of 27 passes for 193 yards and made two crucial fourth-down completions on the drive that tied the game in the fourth quarter. However, he didn’t get another chance as Haynes King and the Georgia Tech offense ran out the clock with their final drive.

Uiagalelei’s performance in the first half was a mixed bag. He completed 11 of 12 passes under five yards and 1 of 2 passes over five yards, finishing the half with an unusual stat of -0.1 air-yards per attempt.

For Florida State’s offense to reach its potential, Uiagalelei will need to improve his downfield passing. Even in the second half, his accuracy on throws beyond five yards was inconsistent at best.

The running game didn’t offer much support either, as Roydell Williams and Lawrence Toafili struggled to find success outside of Toafili’s long touchdown run to open the game, both averaging less than four yards per carry.

The Pick

Castellanos’ dual-threat ability gave the Florida State defense trouble last season but they still prevailed. This time they’re better equipped to contain him and get another win.

On paper, the running game led by Williams and Toafili gives the Seminoles an edge in this game. Last year, Florida State beat Boston College 31-29 on the road. I see Florida State winning again but it will be another close contest.

College Football Pick: Boston College +19.5 (-110) at Bovada

Boston College +19.5 (-110)

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