Organized Chaos

I took in my first game at Doak Campbell Stadium as a spectator on Saturday. I could have picked a better game to attend, however.

FSU was given a gift when North Carolina State beat Wake Forest prior to kickoff (they showed the game on the new HD screens at Doak, which are quite nice by the way, and small crowd of early-goers roared loudly when Riley Skinner lost the ball on fourth down). But instead of take advantage, the Seminoles laid an egg.

Boston College dominated Florida State along both the offensive and defensive lines. The game, despite being only a seven-point affair early in the fourth quarter, wasn’t as close as it seemed.

The Eagles had basically one running play all game and it was working to set up big plays elsewhere. Meantime, FSU had a whopping 1 yard rushing before its final scoring drive of the game. Boston College’s defensive front was better than Georgia Tech’s and the Eagles proved that fact.

Christian Ponder played more like Chris Rix or maybe as his early-season self. Two of his three interceptions were terrible throws. The one returned 87 yards for a touchdown came when he stared down his receiver. Everyone in the stadium knew what was coming.

The last interception in the end zone wasn’t a great throw, either. With a guy like Greg Carr, you want to tooss the ball up to the side of the end zone, so he can be the only guy to get it.

Apparently, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said he wished he had the play back because FSU was moving the ball. He got greedy and it backfired.

Then to prove it was in control of the game all along, Boston College drove 67 yards and took almost nine minutes off the clock to seal the victory.

I really thought FSU would win following the brilliant fake punt call that led to a touchdown. Ponder didn’t even know it was coming, as he had sat down with his helmet off. It looked like FSU was in position to win, but the third pick ended the hopes.

I will say this. Those pass interference calls against FSU were horrid. The defensive backs were playing the ball only to be flagged. It was bad.

But BC did what it needed to do against a Mickey Andrews coached defense that has become predictable. He has been around way too long and really isn’t doing anything spectacular. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the next to go. I can see Jimbo getting rid of him when he takes over.

Anyhow, my first game at Doak was a nice occasion, despite the cold weather. The flyover by the Coast Guard to start the game was awesome, as each helicopter literally skimmed the stadium. You could see the guys in the cockpit, they were that close.

The fans were upbeat, but it was interesting to see all of them share their disdain for Ponder. And after the game, wow, look out. They all thought this could be another 7-6 season.

I agree it could be close. If FSU loses to Maryland, it has no chance against Florida. The Seminoles had a slight chance, but heading into playing the Gators with two straight losses would be too much to overcome.

That would mean a 7-5 season and a bowl appearance. I don’t see the Seminoles losing that game, however.

Note my story on FSU’s hot starts, even amid the past seasons’ difficulties.

Standout player: Not many to find here. Gano stood out, though he missed a 50-yard field goal. His fake punt run made him the team’s leading rusher. I noted in a recent story how Drew Weatherford was the leading rusher in the loss to BC two years ago and that it was not a good sign. It’s an even worse sign when your kicker is the top runner.

Inside the boxscore: An FSU opponent finally flipped the script on third downs. The Eagles were 9 of 16, while the Seminoles were only 2 of 10. … BC held the ball 17 minutes more. … Lumbering Chris Crane rushed for 18 yards, but gained 38 and lost 20 by sacks and tackles behind the line. He looked like Michael Vick against an FSU defense that again played worse than expected.

Next up: A key game at Maryland. FSU needs a win and a lot of help to reach the ACC Championship Game.