in NCAA F Articles

Just like James Brown, the Boston College Eagles have decided to get on the good foot.

Steve Aponavicius, a walk-on for the Eagles who had never played organized football, was thrust into the spotlight last week after Boston College suspended place-kicker Ryan Ohliger. That suspension is over, but after Aponavicius booted two field goals and two converts without a miss against the Virginia Tech Hokies, the Eagles are more than happy to stay with the former soccer player.

B.C. downed the Hokies 22-3 to jump into the rankings and cash in for the third time in four opportunities. The Eagles will try to keep that momentum going this Saturday afternoon in a tough matchup with the Florida State Seminoles. Although FSU has slipped out of the rankings after losses to Clemson and North Carolina State, the ‘Noles are still 4-2 (3-3 against the spread) and will be playing at home, wearing special black uniforms to honor the Seminole tribe.

This game was off the board in the middle of the week as bookmakers tried to sort out the injury situations for both teams. The Seminoles have been especially hard hit, losing linebacker Geno Hayes to a torn MCL and tight end Brandon Warren to a pulled hamstring. FSU’s linebacking unit has now lost five men to serious injury this season, and the defensive line isn’t in very good shape without top tackle Andre Fluellen.

However, the Eagles aren’t in the best position to take advantage of FSU’s pain. Quarterback Matt Ryan is, in the words of coach Tom O’Brien, “gimping around and limping a little bit.” Ryan picked up a foot injury to go along with his already hobbled ankle, and is officially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game. That could put even more pressure on Aponavicius to get the job done should either Ryan or backup Chris Crane have any trouble getting into the end zone.

Whether Ryan plays or not, the outcome of Saturday’s game may rest more on the other side of the ball. The Boston College defense was outstanding last week in holding the Hokies to a mere field goal, but the Eagles are still allowing 238.5 yards passing per game, ranking them No. 102 in Division I. And it just so happens the Seminoles’ offense is coming almost entirely through the air. QB Drew Weatherford has nine touchdowns to just three interceptions; if Ryan cannot go, the ‘Noles will have the clear advantage at this position.

Game time is 3:30 p.m. Eastern on ABC.