Bill O’Brien emphasized that it was just one victory, but what a significant win it was for Boston College to kick off 2024—and the O’Brien Era.
Treshaun Ward accumulated 138 total yards, including a 13-yard touchdown catch, against his former team as Boston College shocked No. 10 Florida State with a 28-13 win on Monday night.
Ward, a Tampa native and former Florida State player from 2019-22, recorded 77 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards as the Eagles (1-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) racked up 263 rushing yards.
O’Brien, who took over in mid-February following Jeff Hafley’s move to the Green Bay Packers as defensive coordinator, had an impressive debut.
“I’m extremely proud of these guys,” O’Brien said. “They showed a lot of resilience tonight. To come down here and beat a team that desperately needed this win, that’s a big statement for BC. But it’s just one game.”
The Eagles’ offense orchestrated touchdown drives of 71, 68, and 60 yards. BC defensive back Max Tucker also picked off DJ Uiagalelei, returning the ball 58 yards to set up another Eagles touchdown at Florida State’s goal line.
Florida State had won five consecutive games in the series but was outplayed on both offense and defense this time around.
The Seminoles, considered a contender for the 12-team College Football Playoff, fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2021.
“Frustrated with how this season has started,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “I didn’t do enough 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 narrowed BC’s lead to 21-13.
However, BC answered on the next drive, marching 60 yards in 12 plays as Kye Robichaux’s 2-yard touchdown run extended the Eagles’ lead to 28-13 with 1:03 remaining in the third quarter.
Florida State managed to score on just one of six second-half drives.
Thomas Castellanos, who nearly upset Florida State in 2023 with 305 passing yards, 95 rushing yards, and two touchdowns, wasn’t as dominant on Monday but still made an impact. The BC quarterback completed 10 of 16 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, along with 73 rushing yards and a 4-yard touchdown run.
“Everything we did this offseason, from winter workouts to summer training, led up to this,” Castellanos said. “This is what we prepared for, and it all came together.”
Injury Report
BC was without Logan Taylor, who started 12 games for Virginia in 2023, and has 23 career starts.
Florida State was missing starting right tackle Jeremiah Byers, and reserve linebackers Omar Graham Jr. and Shawn Murphy on Monday. Wide receiver Hykeem Williams missed his second consecutive game. The specifics of the injuries were not disclosed.
Poll Implications
Florida State is likely to drop out of the top 25 after two consecutive losses to start the season.
Key Takeaways
Boston College: The Eagles averaged 5.4 yards per play and converted 9 of 16 third downs to secure the upset.
Florida State: What was expected to be a strength has become a weakness. The Seminoles managed only 21 rushing yards on 16 carries.
Up Next
Boston College will host Duquesne on Saturday.
Florida State has a bye week before hosting Memphis on Sept. 14.
