Boston College Shocks No. 10 Florida State, Drops Noles to 0-2

Bill O’Brien reminded everyone it was just one win, but it was a monumental one to kick off the 2024 season for Boston College and the O’Brien era. The Eagles pulled off a stunning 28-13 upset over No. 10 Florida State on Monday night, handing the Seminoles their second straight loss and marking a significant victory for Boston College.

Treshaun Ward, who transferred to Boston College after playing for Florida State from 2019 to 2022, was pivotal in the Eagles’ victory. The Tampa native totaled 138 yards of offense, including 77 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards. His performance included a 13-yard touchdown reception, a key moment against his former team. Ward’s contributions helped Boston College (1-0, 1-0 ACC) rack up an impressive 263 rushing yards.

For O’Brien, hired in February after Jeff Hafley left to join the Green Bay Packers as defensive coordinator, this game was a statement victory in his debut as head coach. “I’m very proud of these guys,” O’Brien said. “They were resilient tonight. To come down here against a team that felt like they had to win, it’s a big statement for BC. But it’s just one win.”

Boston College’s offense was efficient and effective, putting together three touchdown drives of 71, 68, and 60 yards. The defense also stepped up, with BC defensive back Max Tucker intercepting Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and returning it 58 yards to set up another score. The Eagles capitalized on both sides of the ball, leaving Florida State, a team once considered a contender for the 12-team College Football Playoff, struggling to find answers.

Florida State fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2021, with head coach Mike Norvell expressing frustration. “I’m sick about how this season started,” Norvell said. “I failed in preparing the team to go out and respond tonight.”

Uiagalelei completed 21 of 42 passes for 272 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown pass to Kentron Poitier that cut Boston College’s lead to 21-13 in the third quarter. However, BC quickly responded with a 12-play, 60-yard drive capped 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 managed just one scoring drive in six second-half possessions, a stark contrast to their high expectations entering the season.

Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who nearly upset Florida State in 2023, played a solid game, completing 10 of 16 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns while adding 73 rushing yards and a 4-yard touchdown run. Reflecting on the win, Castellanos said, “Everything we did this offseason, from winter workouts to summer training, led up to this. This is what we prepared for, and it all worked out.”

For Boston College, this victory sets the tone for a promising season, while Florida State must regroup quickly to salvage theirs.