Florida State shuts out Boston College 14-0

Florida State traveled to Boston for its first conference game of the season, and will return to Tallahassee with a victory after defeating Boston College 14-0. It was the Seminoles' first shutout on the road since November of 2003 when the defeated Notre Dame 37-0.

Entering the game, many felt that a major key to the game for the Seminoles was to get off to a quick start against the BC defense, and they did just that. Everett Golson led an 83-yard drive on the first series of the game, going 5-5 and ending it with a touchdown pass to Travis Rudolph. Florida State's defense rose up to the challenge early, shutting out BC in the first quarter. They have yet to allow a point in the opening quarter all season.

The defense continued to roll as Lamarcus Brutus opened the second quarter with an interception. Florida State had the chance to extend the lead, but Roberto Aguayo missed his first field goal of the season with just over two minutes left before the half. After questions all week long about stopping the BC offense, the Florida State defense held Boston College to 3.7 yards per play through the first 30 minutes and the 'Noles entered halftime with a 7-0 lead

Midway through the third quarter, there was a near-scare as Bobo Wilson could not handle a punt from BC, putting it on the ground. However, Javien Elliott, the former walk-on who received a scholarship right before the season began, made a heads up play to recover the muffed punt. Coming out of halftime, neither team could muster any offensive momentum with no offensive plays taking place across midfield for the Seminoles or Eagles in the third quarter.

After a very successful opening drive, the Florida State offense managed no points over their next seven possessions. In the end, the defense bailed the offense out as Terrance Smith forced a fumble, Jalen Ramsey scooped it with one hand and took it back 36 yards for a touchdown, extending the Seminoles' lead to 14-0 and all but putting the game out of reach.

Cason Beatty has a legitimate argument for the player of the game honors, coming in clutch for the 'Noles when they needed him the most. The senior punted seven times, averaging 52.3 yards per punt with 5 punts over 50 yards and 4 inside the 20-yard line.

Everett Golson finished the day with 15 completions on 23 attempts with 119 yards and one touchdown, leading the offense to their third straight game without an offensive turnover. Travis Rudolph added four catches for 33 yards and the only offensive touchdown scored by the Noles. There was a slight worry when Dalvin Cook ran to the lock room before the fourth quarter began, but he shortly returned to the sidelines just three minutes into the quarter, but did not have another rush. In total, the Florida State offense struggled, only managing to record 217 total yards.

The Florida State defense was the highlight on the field, and the main factor in FSU's victory, giving up 195 total yards to Boston College. The Boston College offense only was able to get into Florida State territory twice all night. Terrance Smith had a forced fumble which resulted in a touchdown to go along with 2.5 tackles for loss. Jalen Ramsey had six tackles to go along with his touchdown, and for the second straight week, Ro'Derrick Hoskins led the defense with seven tackles.

The Florida State Seminoles will take a week off before they play their second straight road game against Wake Forest on October 3rd.