Bill O’Brien warned that it was only a victory. What a huge first win of 2024 for Boston College — and the O’Brien Era.
Treshaun Ward totaled 138 yards of offense against his former team, including a 13-yard touchdown reception, as Boston College defeated 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 263 total yards rushing for the Eagles (1-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference).
It was a great debut for O’Brien, who was brought on in mid-February after Jeff Heffley left to become the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator.
“I’m so proud of these guys,” O’Brien said. “They were resilient tonight. Coming down here against a team that really had this win in their minds is a heck of a statement for BC. But that’s just one win.
The Eagles’ offense produced touchdown drives of 71 yards, 68 yards and 60 yards. BC defensive back Max Tucker also intercepted DJ Uyagelei and his 58-yard return set the Eagles up on FSU’s goal line for a second touchdown.
Florida State had won five straight in the series but was overmatched on offense and defense in this one.
The Seminoles, seen as a contender for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2021.
“It’s sick of how the season started,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “I failed to prepare the team to go out and respond tonight.”
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 the 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. Although not as productive on Monday, the BC quarterback completed 10 of 16 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns with 73 yards rushing and a 4-yard touchdown run.
“Everything we’ve done this offseason, from winter workouts, summer workouts, has led to this,” Castellanos said. “This is what we have prepared for. It’s all over.”
Injury report
BC played without Logan Taylor, who started 12 games at Virginia in 2023. Taylor had 23 career starts.
Florida State played Monday without starting right tackle Jeremiah Byers and two reserve linebackers, Omar Graham Jr. and Sean Murphy. Wide receiver Hykeem Williams missed his second straight game. No injuries were reported.
Voting implications
Florida State is almost certain to drop out of the top 25 following its two losses to start the season.
Takeaways
Boston College: The Eagles averaged 5.4 yards per play and converted on 9 of 16 third-down opportunities to create the upset.
Florida State: A strength going into the season has been a weakness instead. The Seminoles had just 21 yards rushing on 16 carries.
Next up
Boston College hosts Duquesne on Saturday.
Florida State has a bye week and will next host Memphis on September 14.
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