TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Bill O’Brien warned it was just one win. But what a great first win of 2024 it was for Boston College — and for the O’Brien era.
Treshaun Ward totaled 138 yards of offense against his former team, including a 13-yard touchdown pass, as Boston College surprised No. 10 Florida State 28-13 on Monday night.
Ward, a Tampa native who played for Florida State from 2019-2022, had 77 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards as the Eagles (1-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) totaled 263 rushing yards.
It was a resounding debut for O’Brien, who was introduced in mid-February following the departure of Jeff Hafley to become the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator.
“I’m very proud of these guys,” O’Brien said. “They hung in there tonight. To come here and play against a team that had to win is a big statement for BC. But it’s just one win.”
The Eagles scored touchdowns of 71, 68 and 60 yards on offense. BC defensive back Max Tucker also intercepted a pass from DJ Uiagalelei and his 58-yard return gave the Eagles another touchdown at the FSU goal line.
Florida State had won the series five times in a row, but this time they were inferior in offense and defense.
The Seminoles, who were considered contenders for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2021.
“I think it’s really crazy how this season started,” said Florida State coach Mike Norvell. “I failed to prepare the team to go to the bench tonight and react.”
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 countered on the next drive, marching 60 yards in 12 plays, with Kye Robichaux’s 2-yard touchdown run giving the Eagles a 28-13 lead with 1:03 left in the third quarter.
Florida State was only able to score on one of six offensive runs in the second half.
Thomas Castellanos nearly pulled off an upset win over Florida State in 2023, throwing for 305 yards and a touchdown and running for 95 yards and a score in a 31-29 loss. Although he wasn’t as successful on Monday, 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 in the offseason, from winter training to summer training, was leading up to this,” Castellanos said. “This is what we were preparing for. And it all worked out.”
