Porous FSU Defense Must Stop BC Rush Attack in its Tracks

With the firing of defensive coordinator Tony White, Florida State linebackers coach Ernie Sims compared his elevation to interim defensive coordinator to “drinking water from a fire hydrant.”

Interim head coach Rick Stockstill and Sims are working at a frantic pace to keep the Seminoles moving forward in a positive way as they prepare for their game Saturday at Boston College.

Sims and the Seminoles defense need to figure out how to stop the rushing attack of Boston College, who rank No. 5 in the ACC at 168 rushing yards per game.

The Eagles have scored 13 touchdowns on the ground through eight games.

Boston College has rushed for 100+ yards in seven of their eight games this season, including 399 yards, five touchdowns, and 8.49 yards per carry average in a win over Georgia Tech.

However, they managed just 78 yards rushing, no touchdowns, and just two yards per carry in a 47-2 loss against Duke last Saturday.

The Seminoles defense of late has been run over by opposing defenses, the victim of explosive running plays.

Since holding Virginia to just 37 yards rushing, Florida State has allowed 816 yards, 10 touchdowns and a 6.25 yards per carry average to Louisville, Miami, and Clemson.

In the 36-24 home loss to Clemson, the Seminoles gave up a 79-yard TD run to Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds.

In the 43-35 double-overtime loss to Miami, in the first overtime period, the Seminoles gave up a 25-yards game-tying touchdown run to Javian Mallory to force a second overtime period.

Against Louisville, Florida State was left in the wake of scorched earth on a 97-yard sprint to the end zone by Cardinals running back Isaac Brown.

Louisville went on to win the game 44-20, as Florida State gave up 397 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

In the Alabama game, the Seminoles defense folded up like an accordion in the second-half. After a 21-6 lead in the first half, Florida State allowed 227 rushing yards in the final 30 minutes as Alabama won the game 50-36.

Coach Sims will need to bestow that linebacker mentality of his onto the rest of his defense. There is still a winning season and a bowl berth to be had.

Florida State holds a 15-6 record in the series with Boston College. The Seminoles have 12 of the last 14 meetings, including three consecutive victories at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill.

Florida State is a -6.5-point road favorite.