The November 9 BC-FSU game was the annual “Red Bandanna Game,” honoring the life and memory of Welles Crowther ’99, who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. He is reported to have saved as many as 18 lives before succumbing. His mother and other members of his family were introduced at the game.
With 2:33 remaining in the game, BC quarterback Dennis Grosel ended a 13-play, 90-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge that tied the November 9 game with Florida State at 24-24. For Eagles fans in the crowd and watching on television, it seemed BC had mucho momentum to bring the game to overtime, at least.
Less than a minute later, a Seminole was in the end zone after catching a 60-yard touchdown pass, and Florida State held a 31-24 lead. After BC received the ensuing kickoff, and less than 30 seconds after scoring, the Seminoles intercepted Grosel. Three plays later, Florida State scored a final touchdown on a 66-yard run, and led 38-24. Game over.
Not quite. With BC getting the ball on the 25 yard line with 1:03 remaining, Grosel threw five consecutive complete passes, culminating in a 20-yard pass to Kobay White to bring the game back to a one-score difference, 38-31. BC’s onside kick attempt failed. This time, game over.
The game was close in several measures and wildly different in others. The teams were close in total offense (524 for FSU, 508 for BC), but the Eagles achieved their total in 93 plays, while the Seminoles needed only 57. BC possessed the ball for 17 minutes longer than Florida State (38:30 to 21:30). That’s more than a quarter of the game.
It was explosiveness versus grinding. AJ Dillon ran for 165 yards on 40 carries, no touchdowns. FSU’s Jordan Travis gained 94 yards on 3 carries, scoring two touchdowns.
Overall, Grosel was 20 of 29 passing for 227 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also ran for 30 yards and 1 touchdown.
Here are highlights.
The Eagles are 5-5 and, after having enjoyed a bye week, travel to South Bend, Ind., to meet Notre Dame (8-2).
