PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Deondre Francois might just being starting his final game for the Seminoles on Saturday. After getting the nod to start against Notre Dame over backup James Blackman, who started the week before, the redshirt junior didn’t do much to inspire confidence he was the team’s solution going forward. Against the Irish, Francoise was 23 of 47 for 216 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. And his quarterback rating was a dismal 35.1. If Francois plays poorly against Boston College on Saturday — and the Seminoles miss out on the chance to extend their bowl streak — it would make no sense to let Francois start over Blackman, a sophomore, in the regular-season finale against Florida when head coach Willie Taggart has a real chance to assess Blackman again in an actual game situation heading into the offseason. After all, Blackman had the best game by a Florida State quarterback all season two weeks ago when he passed for four touchdowns and 421 yards against N.C. State — albeit in a 47-28 loss.
–DE Brian Burns (6-foot-5, 231 pounds) is really just playing for his future at this point. Burns, who is Florida State’s highest-ranked draft-eligible player from this year’s team, has a team-high 13 1/2 tackles for loss on the season to go along with nine sacks. As a freshman, he had 9.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for a loss, then last year he recorded 48 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. According to NFLDraftScout.com, Burns is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft next year.
SERIES HISTORY: Florida State leads the all-time series against Boston College 10-5, although Boston College won last year’s meeting in Chestnut Hill, Mass., 35-3. Before that, the Seminoles had won seven in a row against the Eagles.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It’s very tough. Knowing that you’re going out there and putting your all into practice coming up not just short, but by a lot. I’m going to keep my faith in God and come back ready to work. Just like all my teammates, we’re going to get this fixed.” — Florida State defensive lineman Marvin Wilson following Florida State’s 42-13 loss to Notre Dame last Saturday.
