A Team In Need Of A Pick-Me-Up

Although the final score indicated otherwise, the Boston College defense put up an impressive performance against an explosive Florida State team Thursday night. An overmatched offense was the main reason for the 38-7 smackdown on national television that made BC bowl ineligible for the first time in 12 years.

"We got licked," head coach Frank Spaziani said.

The Eagles definitely got licked, but there were bright spots all around on the defensive end. The Seminoles were forced to a three-and-out on their first possession, giving Superfans hope that maybe star FSU quarterback E.J. Manuel could be contained. After falling behind 7-0, sophomore linebacker Steele Divitto and freshman corner Manny Asprilla each sacked Manuel, forcing another punt. BC has had trouble all season putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but both guys played with inspiring passion against FSU.

Freshman linebacker Sean Duggan also came up big with two tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery, and a clutch deflection on a third down. Duggan came close to picking off Manuel after perfectly jumping a route, but the ball just barely slipped through his hands.

One of the main reasons for FSU's high scoring total was field position. The Seminoles, on average, started drives from their own 40, while the Eagles, on average, started from their own 24. The BC offense could just not find any rhythm. At one point in the second quarter, the Eagles had negative total yards. They didn't get a first down until 10 minutes into the second quarter.

"Obviously we were having trouble blocking them and having trouble protecting," Spaziani said. "We couldn't make a first down and couldn't get out of our own way for a little bit out there."

The Eagles had more trouble getting away from Seminole defenders than they did getting out of their own way. After a monster game against Maryland, running back Deuce Finch had just 27 yards on 17 attempts, for 1.1 yards per carry, through three quarters. Finch and the offensive line picked their game up some in the fourth, but it was too late. Every time he approached the line of scrimmage, he was swarmed by FSU defenders, who had powered through the O-line. Finch also had a fumble on the goal line while trying to punch in an early score.

"That's probably going to be the best defense we see all year," he said.

The Eagles tried to let quarterback Chase Rettig drop back and throw in order to make up for the struggling run game, but he had no time to make a play.

"Those guys are talented up front," Rettig said. "Even on the first pass attempt, I could feel someone on my back right away."

BC did make a few successful offensive adjustments. Backup quarterback Josh Bordner got minutes late in the second quarter primarily as a running threat due to the Eagles' lack of backfield depth.

"Necessity is the mother of invention," Spaziani said when asked about playing the redshirt freshman.

After driving the Eagles down the field with effective running and a 37-yard strike to Bobby Swigert, Bordner fumbled the ball at the goal line while attempting a handoff to Finch.

"That one on the goal line, that's a new play," Spaziani said. "We can't just put stuff in and expect to execute it."

Rettig was most successful in the second half when he completed quick passes to Swigert off timing routes. These types of plays proved inconsistent, though, because Rettig and his receivers were not always in sync.

It's unfortunate that a solid defensive effort was overshadowed by a 31-point loss due to offensive inefficiencies, but BC played hard on both sides of the ball. This young, injury-plagued crew refused to give up, doing the best with what it had.

"I'm trying to win every game," linebacker Luke Kuechly said. "I don't think anyone has any other idea. We just want to win."