Wrapping up USM win, Boston College predictions from Kassim, Williams | Seminole Script
Welcome to Seminole Script.
Seminole Script will be brought to viewers each Wednesday following the second practice of the week and will be accompanied by a Seminole Script Roundtable.
Democrat writers Ehsan Kassim and Jack Williams talk about all things Florida State football, including final thoughts on the 66-13 blowout victory over Southern Miss, a glimpse into Tuesday and Wednesday practices and a look ahead to Saturday's game against Boston College.
The No. 3 Seminoles (2-0) and Eagles (1-1) are scheduled to face off at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, at noon Saturday. (Broadcast: ABC).
Kassim and Williams share their final thoughts on Southern Miss and look ahead to this week's game in the roundtable below.
Hurricane Lee: Will Hurricane Lee impact the Florida State game vs. Boston College? Here's what we know
Any final thoughts on FSU's blowout victory against Southern Miss?
Ehsan Kassim: FSU scored 66 points despite a slow start. This team has another level it can reach and that's scary to think about.
The Seminoles playing 102 players - the most head coach Mike Norvell has ever played as a head coach - will be an important aspect we forget about at the end of the season. It's why these lower-tier games have value with zero preseason in college football.
Jack Williams: FSU lit up the scoreboard and that was expected. The bench was emptied and the stars took care of business early in order for the Seminoles to be able to go deep into their depth chart.
It wasn't a perfect game as the offense had a slow start and a few players claimed that they hadn't played their best games, but that also shows that FSU hasn't hit its ceiling, even after scoring 66 points. It's time to let go of this win and I think FSU has.
What does FSU need to fix from the Golden Eagles' game?
Ehsan Kassim: I need to see FSU start quicker in the run game. Against LSU and USM, it wasn't until the second half that the Seminoles imposed their will on opposing teams in the run game.
If the Seminoles can't get the run game going against superior teams in the first half and the passing game struggles at all, it could spell trouble.
Trey Benson scored three touchdowns last game, showing the red zone woes for FSU are a thing of the past. But he has yet to eclipse 100 yards and has only forced four missed tackles on 21 rush attempts with a Pro Football Focus elusive rating of 78.7. He led the FBS with his 222.6 elusive rating.
Jack Williams: I'll agree with Ehsan here and say that the offense needs to have a quicker start. It was slow to start against LSU and it happened again last week. Both games saw FSU post dominant second halves, leading to large victories, but if this becomes a habit it's going to hurt them down the road.
This weekend would be the best opportunity to play a complete game on offense. Getting the offense pumping all four quarters puts the Seminoles in a really good place heading into a road game at Clemson next weekend.
What will be the key for FSU to avoid an upset loss to Boston College?
Ehsan Kassim: Running the ball. Holy Cross ran the ball for 264 yards and an average of 6.8 yards per carry last week against the Eagles.
Even with Hurricane Lee expected to miss a direct hit on the Boston area, there is heavy rain and winds expected in the area Saturday for the game. As Norvell has noted, quarterback Jordan Travis throws a tight enough spiral that the wind shouldn't impact his throws that much.
But why take the risk against an opponent you're clearly better than? This is a good chance to really get the run game going.
Jack Williams: On top of a consistent performance on offense, FSU needs to make quarterback Thomas Castellanos a non-factor. Yes, the Eagles barely survived last week's matchup against FCS Holy Cross and lost to Northern Illinois in Week 1, but Castellanos has shown that he can keep plays alive with his legs.
He doesn't hold the same athleticism as Travis or LSU's Jayden Daniels, but FSU needs to shut him down from the start just to eliminate any threat. Keeping Castellanos at bay and a four-quarter offensive onslaught will end the day with a satisfying feeling for FSU.
Who is someone you want to see more of in a blowout?
Ehsan Kassim: Vandrevius Jacobs. The freshman WR really popped during the spring and looked like someone who could make an early impact.
However, injuries during the fall camp slowed down his progression - along with the additions of Keon Coleman, Hykeem Williams and Destyn Hill - and pushed Jacobs back down.
He caught his first career TD catch against Southern Miss last week. He's someone I'd like to see get even more action and a chance to show off his skill set.
Jack Williams: I'd honestly like to see more of Deuce Spann. Against Southern Miss, he really flexed his athleticism, whether it be on the fourth down conversion or the long rush into the red zone. He's had some really strong practices as well.
He's seen action in both games this season, but after what I saw against Southern Miss, I think he could really thrive in a blowout situation on Saturday. Not sure if it would be a "breakout performance" but we'll continue to see just how dynamic he is.
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What are your predictions?
Ehsan Kassim: FSU 42, BC 14
FSU's elite offense will be hard to keep off the board, especially considering the FCS-level Crusaders hung 28 on the Eagles last week.
However, the windy conditions will keep the Seminoles from putting up the number they put up last week against the Golden Eagles.
My biggest prediction: Johnny Wilson will bounce back with a 100-yard performance and two touchdowns after his early struggles with drops. It's too early to sound the alarms for him but he will shut down anyone with worries.
Jack Williams: FSU 41, BC 14
Five touchdowns and two field goals. I do think that FSU could put up more points, but the weather is going to play a factor. Either way, it shows how good this team is that both Ehsan and I are predicting that FSU can put up over 40 points on the road during severe weather.
We're going to see the rest of the roster get playing time, Coleman and Travis are going to dominate early and the defense is going to continue to play another full game. It'd also be nice to see Wilson have a comeback performance after struggling last weekend.
GAME INFORMATION
Who: AP No. 3 FSU (2-0) at Boston College (1-1)
When/where: Saturday, Sept. 16, noon.; Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
TV/Radio: ABC/94.9 FM
Live game updates: www.Tallahassee.com; @Ehsan_Kassim on Twitter; @JackGWilliams on Twitter; @JimHenryTALLY on Twitter
Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: Ehsan Kassim, Jack Williams predict Boston College game
