College Football

Boston College stuns No. 10 Florida State in Bill O’Brien’s debut as Seminoles’ awful start deepens

By
Associated Press
Published Sep. 2, 2024
Updated Sep. 3, 2024, 1:19 a.m. ET

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Bill O’Brien cautioned it was just one win. What a massive first win of 2024 it was for Boston College — and for the O’Brien Era.

Treshaun Ward totaled 138 yards of offense, including a 13-yard touchdown reception, against his former team as BostonCollege stunned No. 10 Florida State 28-13 on Monday night.

Ward, a Tampa native who played at Florida State from 2019-22, had 77 yards rushing and 61 yards receiving as the Eagles (1-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) totaled 263 yards rushing.

Boston College Eagles running back Treshaun Ward (0) runs the ball down the field past Florida State Seminoles linebacker Cam Riley (18) during the game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
Boston College Eagles running back Treshaun Ward (0) runs the ball down the field past Florida State Seminoles linebacker Cam Riley (18) during the game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

It was a resounding debut for O’Brien, who was introduced in mid-February after Jeff Hafley’s departure to become the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator.

“I’m very proud of these guys,” O’Brien said. “They were resilient tonight. To come down here against a team that really in their minds had to have this win, that’s a heck of a statement for BC. But it’s just one win.”

Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos (1) speaks with head coach Bill O’Brien before the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles’ offense produced touchdown drives of 71 yards, 68 yards and 60 yards.

BC defensive back Max Tucker also intercepted DJ Uiagalelei and his 58-yard return set up the Eagles on FSU’s goal line for another touchdown.

Eagles running back Kye Robichaux (5) celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
Eagles running back Kye Robichaux (5) celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Florida State had won five straight in the series but was overmatched on offense and defense in this one.

The Seminoles, viewed as a contender for a spot in the 12-team CollegeFootball Playoff, dropped to 0-2 for the first time since 2021.

“Sick to how this season started,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “I failed in preparing the team to be able to go out and respond tonight.”

Florida State Seminoles linebacker Justin Cryer (28) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
Florida State Seminoles linebacker Justin Cryer (28) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Uiagalelei completed 21 of 42 passes for 272 yards and a 29-yard touchdown pass to Kentron Poitier in the third quarter, cutting BC’s lead to 21-13.

But BC responded on the next drive, marching 60 yards in 12 plays as Kye Robichaux’s 2-yard TD run gave the Eagles a 28-13 lead with 1:03 left in the third quarter.

Florida State scored on just one of six second-half drives.

Thomas Castellanos nearly pulled off an upset of Florida State in 2023, throwing for 305 yards and rushing for 95 yards as well as a touchdown passing and rushing in a 31-29 loss.

While not as prolific on Monday, the BC quarterback completed 10 of 16 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns to go with 73 yards rushing and a 4-yard touchdown run.

“Everything we did this offseason, from a winter workout, summer workout, it led up to this,” Castellanos said. “This is what we prepared for. It all panned out.”

  翻译：