September 2024, Tallahassee, Fla. — Boston College delivered a statement win on Monday night, stunning No. 10 Florida State 28-13 in a game that marked the beginning of the Bill O’Brien era.
Treshaun Ward, a former Florida State player, was a standout for the Eagles, racking up 138 total yards, including a crucial 13-yard touchdown reception. Ward, who hails from Tampa and played for the Seminoles from 2019 to 2022, had 77 yards on the ground and 61 yards receiving, contributing significantly to Boston College's 263 rushing yards.
This victory was a memorable debut for O’Brien, who took over as head coach in February following Jeff Hafley’s departure to the Green Bay Packers as defensive coordinator.
"I'm extremely proud of these guys," O'Brien said after the game. "They showed incredible resilience tonight. To come down here and beat a team that felt like they needed this win is a huge statement for BC. But it's just one win."
The Eagles' offense was efficient and effective, orchestrating touchdown drives of 71, 68, and 60 yards. On defense, Max Tucker made a critical interception off Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, returning it 58 yards to set up another BC touchdown at the goal line.
Florida State, which had won the last five meetings between the two teams, struggled to find its footing on both sides of the ball. The Seminoles, once seen as potential contenders for the 12-team College Football Playoff, now find themselves 0-2 for the first time since 2021.
"This is a tough start to the season," said Florida State coach Mike Norvell. "I failed to prepare the team to respond tonight."
Uiagalelei completed 21 of 42 passes for 272 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown pass to Kentron Poitier in the third quarter, which cut BC’s lead to 21-13. However, Boston College quickly answered, driving 60 yards in 12 plays, capped off by Kye Robichaux’s 2-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 28-13 with just over a minute left in the third quarter.
Florida State struggled in the second half, scoring on only one of six drives.
BC quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who nearly upset Florida State in 2023 with an impressive performance, wasn't as dominant on Monday night but still managed to complete 10 of 16 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 73 yards rushing and a 4-yard touchdown run.
"Everything we did this offseason, from winter workouts to summer sessions, was all leading up to this moment," Castellanos said. "It all came together tonight."
The win puts Boston College at 1-0 in both overall play and the Atlantic Coast Conference, while Florida State is left searching for answers after a disappointing start to their season.
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