Excitement builds around FSU's undefeated start, Seminoles favored over Boston College

What a difference a year makes, right?

Undefeated Florida State (3-0) is listed as a double-digit favorite over Boston College (1-2) in Saturday’s game against the Eagles.

Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium on the ACC Network. (High-def channel 1325 on Comcast).

Additionally, as of Monday morning, FSU has sold just shy of 70,000 tickets for its second home game of the season.

"It's great to get back home," FSU coach Mike Norvell said during his Monday press conference.

"It has been a month since we've been able to play here at Doak Campbell, and I know we're excited. Got a primetime kickoff. It should be a great crowd. We need it to be an electric atmosphere to create that home field advantage."

After being a slight 2-point-plus favorite (and covering) in last Friday’s 35-31 win at Louisville, the Seminoles are a 16-point favorite over Boston College, according to DraftKings.com.

It’s the first time FSU is a double-digit favorite in an ACC game since its 2020 opener against Georgia Tech (13 points).

Last season, Boston College entered against visiting FSU as a slight 2 to 2 ½-point favorite.

The Seminoles, however, prevailed in Chestnut Hill, Mass., 26-23, for their final win of 2021 as they finished 5-7.

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A crowd of 70K expected Saturday

Excitement surrounding FSU’s undefeated start this season continues to build. The Seminoles are 3-0 for the first time in seven years.

Ticket sales are going well for Saturday's game. FSU students still have a few thousand left in their block of 16,000, so attendance could be well above 70,000. The last time FSU attracted a home crowd of more than 70,000 was against Miami (71,971) on Nov. 13, 2021.

The Seminoles’ season-opener against visiting Duquesne on Aug. 27 attracted a crowd of 51,207. The game's start was delayed due to thunderstorms.

FSU followed that 47-7 win with victories over LSU (24-23) in New Orleans and at  Louisville.

FSU fans, including former players, are excited about the team's direction under Norvell.

The Seminoles last enjoyed a winning season in 2017.

"LOVE the determination, grit, and response to adversity that this Seminoles football team has," former FSU center and local physician David Castillo posted on social media.

"they aren’t perfect and have a long way to go during the process. They believe in their coaches and each other. They believe in the process and putting in the work. Even though they age me by a few years with every game I watch, it sure is fun to watch the growth of this TEAM. It doesn’t take anybody who has spent time around the program to see that this is a special group of coaches and players.

"Keep adding those bricks fellas. Be the best version of you in everything that you do, on and off the field. It is an honor and privilege to wear that spear on your helmet and to be able to call yourself a Seminole. The foundation has been rebuilt, the talent is there, and there is unbelievable potential for this program."

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State favored over Boston Collee, close to 70,000 tickets sold