Boston College @ Florida State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 3, 2011 ) Florida State 38, Boston College 7

Florida State is an angry football team and shouldn't have much trouble taking out its frustrations against heavy underdog Boston College on Saturday. The Seminoles fell from No. 4 to No. 11 in the USA Today Coaches Poll - and saw their national championship aspirations take a serious hit - when they were outscored 17-0 in the second half en route to a stunning 17-16 loss at North Carolina State last week. Florida State entered that game averaging 51 points. Boston College, which lost at home to Army 34-31 last week and is winless against FBS teams, boasts the No. 16 passing attack in the nation led by Chase Rettig. The Eagles, though, will face the No. 7 pass defense.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Florida State -28

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (1-4, 0-2 ACC): The Eagles allowed 595 yards - 516 on the ground - against the Cadets, who own the nation's No. 1 rushing offense. Boston College won't get much of a break against the Seminoles, who are 13th at 238.5 rushing yards per game. Boston College also may have trouble keeping Florida State off the field because of its 109th-ranked running attack (104.8). Rettig has thrown 10 touchdowns and three interceptions and averages 306.2 yards per game. His favorite target is Alex Amidon, who is averaging 16.9 yards on his 38 catches with four touchdowns. Kicker Nate Freese is 9-for-9 on field goals (long of 39) and 16-for-16 on extra points.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (5-1, 2-1): The Seminoles, who have the No. 4 defense in the country at 221.5 yards per game, yielded a 2-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal with 16 seconds left last week. Florida State is the only team ranked in the top 10 in eight statistical categories - five on defense. Linebacker Christian Jones had a career-high 14 tackles against the Wolfpack. Quarterback EJ Manuel, who has 10 touchdown passes and two interceptions, leads the ACC in passing efficiency. Running back Chris Thompson rushed for 141 yards last week - his third 100-yard game of the season - and is second in the ACC in rushing yards at 95.3 per game. Florida State has won its home games by a combined 225-40.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida State WR Rodney Smith has a reception in 31 straight games and a team-leading three touchdown catches this season.

2. Boston College RB Andre Williams last week became the ninth player in NCAA history to record a 99-yard touchdown run.

3. The Seminoles have won two straight meetings, including a 38-3 victory last season at Chestnut Hill, Mass. They lead the series 6-4.

PREDICTION: Florida State 56, Boston College 14