Another week, another mountain to climb for FSU. Actually, a hill to climb this time. Chestnut Hill, to be exact, where the Noles hook up with a typically well-coached and physical Boston College team. B.C. will be fired up with the good news that linebacker Mark Herzlich is 99% cancer-free. Plus, it's a "Gold-Out" for fans. And a visit by ESPN's College GameDay elevates this beyond just another ACC game.
Because B.C. has been as up and down as FSU this season, we dialed up timely questions to Bill (a.k.a. Eagle in Atlanta), who provides some of the best Boston College coverage this side of Beantown.
What happened to transform the B.C. offense between the Clemson game (54 total yards) and the Wake Forest win (398 total yards)?
"I don't know if it was a true transformation. A couple of different things came into play. First, we changed QBs. Dave Shinskie got a chance to play most of the snaps and added a downfield passing element that wasn't there in the Clemson game. Second the offensive line played much better. It seemed like they simplified things and the line executed much better. Finally, I don't think playing Wake at home was as difficult as playing Clemson in a heavy downpour and two delays."
Where is Shinskie on the QB learning curve (confidence level, knowledge of the system, being in sync with receivers, etc.)?
"It is way too early to tell where Shinskie is. He is obviously further along than he was this summer, but is he a confident DIA starter yet? All the press reports have been positive and his teammates are saying the right thing, but we won't know until Saturday. Against Wake he didn't face much pressure. In his cameo against Clemson he had people in his face right after the snap. If FSU gets to him early he could be rattled. But back to the question...we just don't know."
How has the Eagles' offense changed with a new off. coordinator and QBs still learning the playbook? (More run-oriented? More simplified?)
"We've seen two things -- more complexity and more traditional offense. Last year BC was pretty much a spread team. We operated out of the shotgun most of the game and had a few simple run plays. So far this year, we've seen more variety in formations and types of plays. We even saw a little of the spread against Clemson. I think Gary Tranquill (off. coordinator) would love a more conservative ground game, but is really just trying to find something that works."
How does B.C.'s defensive line measure up this year after losing Raji and Brace to the NFL?
"The defensive line is good but not great. There is good depth but they are lacking game changers like Raji and Brace. The real need is for DE Alex Albright to step up. Albright is back from a medical redshirt and has played well so far. Now he needs to take it to the next level. And someone needs to get to the QB."
Rain is in Saturday's forecast. How will it affect B.C.?
"I think the rain hurts BC. I will take the crowd out of the game on a day when BC is in the spotlight. It will also make passing more difficult and lead to Florida State loading the box. For BC's sake I hope things clear up by kickoff."
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