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 f🍷irst win of 2024 it was for Boston College — and for the O’Brien Era.

Treshaun Ward totale🅷d 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 Hꩵafley’s d🃏eparture to become the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator.

“I’m very proud of these guys,” O’Brien sa꧑id. “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 an🦂d 60 yards.

BC defensive back Max Tucker also intercepted DJ Uiagalelei anཧd 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 stra🌌ight in the series but was over🤡matched 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 abl⛎e 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 ne♛xt drive, marching 60 yards in 12 plays as Kye Robich𝓰aux’s 2-yard TD run gave the Eagles a 28-13 lead with 1:03 left in the third quarter.

Flor♍ida State scored on just one 𝕴of 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 3ඣ1-29 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 pr💟epare🍌d for. It all panned out.”