Florida State @ Boston College preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 16, 2010 ) Boston College 19, Florida State 24

THE STORY: Having No. 3 back under center has made all the difference for Florida State. E.J. Manuel aims to lead the surging Seminoles to a fourth straight win Thursday night against Boston College, which needs another strong finish to extend its bowl streak to 13 seasons. After going through a rough patch, Florida State has hit its stride thanks to Manuel, who has stabilized the offense since returning from a sprained shoulder three weeks ago. The Eagles, meanwhile, have struggled from the start. Boston College’s 28-17 win in Maryland was its first victory over an FBS opponent this season.

TV: ESPN 8:00 p.m. ET LINE: Florida State -14.5

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (5-3, 3-2 ACC): The Seminoles have won three straight by a combined score of 116-32. Manuel completed a pass to eight different receivers while throwing for 321 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-0 win over North Carolina State. Florida State also forced a season-high three turnovers last week and is now eighth in the nation in total defense (275.6 ypg).

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (2-6, 1-4 ACC): Sophomore RB Rolandan Finch ran for 243 yards and two touchdowns in the win over woeful Maryland. Finch is playing because ACC preseason Player of the Year Montel Harris is out for the season with a knee injury. Harris’ absence is one reason the Eagles rank 107th in scoring offense (19.9 ppg). The defense (88th in the nation – 422 ypg) is led by star linebacker Luke Kuechly, who had 12 tackles and an interception last week.

EXTRA POINTS:

1) The Seminoles have scored at least 30 points in five straight games for the first time since 2002.

2) Boston College needs to win its final four games to become bowl eligible. It qualified last season by winning its final five games.

3) Kuechly (130) is on pace to break the NCAA single-season record of 193 tackles set by Texas Tech’s Lawrence Flugence in 1992.

PREDICTION: Florida State 31, Boston College 14 – Manuel is heating up and the Eagles are 96th against the pass (252.3 ypg).