Boston College 14, FSU 6: Halftime Analysis and Key Stats..

 Seminoles searching for a boost on both offense and defense

Sep 2, 2024, 9:06pm EDT
For the second consecutive game, Florida State’s offense struggled to find rhythm, managing only two field goal drives. Unlike the previous week, where the Seminoles at least scored early, FSU didn’t secure a first down until its fourth drive—one of the scoring drives that began with a short field but ended with just three points after stalling in the red zone.

Defensively, the Seminoles also had a sluggish start. Boston College controlled the clock with over 14 minutes of possession in the first quarter, eventually scoring a touchdown as the second quarter began. A breakdown in coverage on a wheel route allowed two significant catches by former FSU running back Treshaun Ward, putting Boston College in scoring position and ultimately leading to another touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-0 with 9:48 left in the second quarter.

Florida State finally got on the board with a 31-yard field goal from Ryan Fitzgerald. The Seminoles’ defense then forced a third punt, giving the offense another chance to score before halftime.

The drive began slowly but gained momentum with key completions to Ja’Khi Douglas (for 3 and 14 yards) and Malik Benson (19 yards), moving FSU into scoring range. However, once in the red zone, quarterback Uiagalelei missed open receivers on first and second down, then failed to connect with Kyle Morlock on a critical third-down play.

### Boston College 14, FSU 6: Halftime Thoughts

To start the game, it seemed like Florida State lacked the urgency and focus to win their individual battles on both sides of the ball. There were issues with staring down receivers, hesitating in gap coverage, and failing to fill gaps altogether—problems that were evident last week against Georgia Tech. Any hope that these were isolated issues quickly faded as Boston College dominated on offense, while their defense effectively shut down FSU’s efforts. However, as Florida State began to impose its will late in the second quarter, the team saw some positive results, setting the stage for a potentially strong second half.

DJ Uiagalelei’s struggles in the passing game could be partly attributed to the receivers, but his hesitation to run—despite being praised for his dual-threat ability—was concerning. This uncertainty led to a key sack during FSU’s first goal-to-go drive, forcing the Seminoles to settle for a field goal. If it’s a matter of adjusting the scheme to better suit his strengths, head coach Mike Norvell needs to make those changes quickly. While there were some bright moments on FSU’s final drive of the second quarter, Uiagalelei missed three potential touchdown passes in a row, raising questions about whether he has reached his ceiling. If that’s the case, it might be time to consider other options.

The Florida State defense started to find its footing as the second quarter progressed, but the first two Boston College touchdown drives highlighted the work that still needs to be done. The defense did manage to give the offense more opportunities, so there’s some hope for improvement in the second half.

### Halftime Stats: Florida State vs. Boston College

- **Total Yards**
  - Boston College: 188
  - FSU: 118

- **Passing Yards**
  - Boston College: 102
  - FSU: 108

- **Rushing Yards**
  - Boston College: 86
  - FSU: 10

- **Penalties**
  - Boston College: 0-0
  - FSU: 2-10

- **First Downs**
  - Boston College: 9
  - FSU: 5

- **3rd Downs**
  - Boston College: 6-9
  - FSU: 1-7

- **4th Downs**
  - Boston College: 0-0
  - FSU: 1-1

- **Total Plays**
  - Boston College: 36
  - FSU: 27

- **Avg Yds/Play**
  - Boston College: 5.2
  - FSU: 4.4

- **Avg Yds/Completion**
  - Boston College: 11.3
  - FSU: 13.5

- **Avg Yds/Rush**
  - Boston College: 3.6
  - FSU: 1.7

- **Sack-Adj Rush Yd (Avg)**
  - Boston College: 88 (4.0)
  - FSU: 18 (3.6)

- **Red Zone Efficiency**
  - Boston College: 2-2
  - FSU: 2-2

- **Time of Possession**
  - Boston College: 21:06
  - FSU: 08:29

- **Turnovers (Def Pts Off)**
  - Boston College: 0 (0)
  - FSU: 0 (0)

- **Fumbles-Lost**
  - Boston College: 2-0
  - FSU: 1-0

- **Sacks (Def Yds)**
  - Boston College: 1 (8)
  - FSU: 2 (2)

- **Tackles for Loss (Def Yds)**
  - Boston College: 1 (8)
  - FSU: 4 (11)

The Seminoles trail 14-6 at halftime and will receive the ball to start the third quarter.