Florida State beat the Eagles, 14-0, in a nationally televised game Friday, the conference opener for both teams. BC’s defense was excellent, holding the Seminoles’ offense to a single touchdown, on the opening drive, and 217 yards overall. The second FSU touchdown was a fumble return.

Offense from the Eagles was not so great, totaling 195 yards and resulting in the first shutout for BC since Steve Addazio became coach. Sophomore quarterback Darius Wade was 4 of 12 passing, 47 yards, and an interception. Wade suffered a broken ankle in the fourth quarter and will miss the rest of the season. Both freshman Jeff Smith and redshirt freshman Troy Flutie (nephew of Doug) saw action as Wade’s replacement. An announcement as to the starting quarterback for the upcoming game in expected soon.

Here are highlights.

The game was another “red bandanna” game, honoring the legacy of Welles Crowther, ’99, who died in the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, but nor before rescuing a dozen people. The American Heroes Channel handed out a red bandanna, which Crowther wore regularly, to the first 25,000 attendees.

ESPN’s Sports Center was “on the road” and broadcast from Alumni Stadium prior to the game. While the content included other sports, ESPN focused on that night’s BC-FSU game and provided some dramatic aerial views of the BC campus. All in all, it seemed a great advertisement for the University.

The Eagles face Northern Illinois on Saturday in a 10 am PT game. Game watch is, as usual, at The Beer Co.

Northern Illinois had its own difficult game this weekend and handled itself extremely well. The Huskies lost to #1 Ohio State 20-13. NIU tied Ohio State offensively, with the deciding points coming on an interception return.

Northern Illinois may be little-known to BC fans, but they should not be little-regarded. The Huskies are reigning champions of the Mid-American Conference and have won at least 11 games in the five seasons prior to this one. The only previous meeting between BC and Northern Illinois was in 1971 and resulted in a 20-10 BC win.