Football Falls to Florida State, 20-17

Saturday, November 22

Tallahassee, Fla.

3:30 PM

Boston College

6-5 , 3-4

Florida State

11-0 , 8-0

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Boston College	3	7	7	0	17
Florida State	7	10	0	3	20

November 22, 2014 | Football

Box Score

Nov. 22, 2014

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - - Boston College had a strong game on the ground, but ultimately fell just short to No. 1/3 Florida State, 20-17. The three-point loss was the smallest deficit the Eagles (6-5, 3-4 ACC) have conceded to the Seminoles (11-0, 8-0 ACC) in the series history. It also ties Clemson for the small deficit of the 2014 season.

The Eagles stuck with their run-first philosophy throughout and finished with 240 yards on the ground. Graduate quarterback Tyler Murphy bounced a read-option around the left end for a 21-yard score midway through the third quarter to tie the game at 17. Senior Alex Howell missed a 42-yard field goal with 4:37 left that would have given Boston College the lead.

Jon Hilliman finished with 73 yards rushing on 14 carries and the Eagles averaged 4.7 yards per carry against an FSU defense that couldn't stop the run. Murphy finished with 48 and the touchdown.

FSU quarterback Jameis Winston led Florida State 66 yards to put Roberto Aguayo in position for a 26-yard game-winning field goal with three seconds remaining.

Murphy accounted for both of Boston College's touchdowns, as he threw a 49-yard touchdown to graduate wide receiver Shakim Phillips and had a 21 yard touchdown run. Phillips' catch was the longest of his BC career and the third of the season. It tied the game at 10 in the second quarter. Murphy's 10th rushing TD of the season puts him in third on BC's all-time list for rushing yards by a quarterback. He is three yards shy of breaking the ACC record for rushing yards by a QB in a season.

Winston finished with 281 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception.

Freshman kicker Mike Knoll connected on a 40-yard field goal attempt on the Eagles' first drive of the game. He was also 2-for-2 on extra-point attempts.

The Eagles look to finish strong next week, as they host Syracuse in the regular season finale at 12:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the ACC Regional Network.