TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Bill O'Brien warned that this was just one win, but the first win of 2024 was a real treat for Boston College and for the O'Brien era.
Tre'Shawn Ward had 138 yards of total offense, including a 13-yard touchdown reception, in Boston College's surprising 28-13 win over No. 10 Florida State on Monday night.
Ward, a Tampa native who played at Florida State from 2019-2022, had 77 yards rushing and 61 yards receiving, helping the Eagles (1-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) to 263 total yards rushing.
It was a spectacular debut for O'Brien, who took over as the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator in mid-February following the departure of Jeff Hafley.
“I'm really proud of my players,” O'Brien said. “They showed their resilience tonight. It means a lot for BC to come this far against a team we thought we had to beat, but it's only one win.”
The Eagles offense put together touchdown drives of 71, 68 and 60 yards.
BC defensive back Max Tucker also intercepted a pass from DJ Uiagalelei and returned it 58 yards to advance the Eagles to the FSU goal line for a touchdown.
Florida State had won five straight games in the series, but was outplayed offensively and defensively in this game.
The Seminoles, who were considered contenders for the 12-team College Football Playoff, fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2021.
“I'm tired of the way this season started,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “We didn't prepare our team to fight back in tonight's game.”
Uiagalelei completed 21 of 42 passes for 272 yards and a 29-yard touchdown pass to Kentron Poitier in the third quarter to cut BC's lead to 21-13.
But BC fought back on its next drive, going 60 yards in 12 plays and Kai Robichaud's 2-yard TD run gave the Eagles a 28-13 lead with 1 minute, 3 seconds left in the third quarter.
Florida State scored on just one of its six attempts in the second half.
Thomas Castellanos nearly pulled off an upset win over Florida State in 2023, passing for 305 yards and rushing for 95 yards, plus a touchdown pass and run, but lost 31-29.
Though he wasn't as productive as he was on Monday, BC's quarterback completed 10 of 16 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, as well as rushing for 73 yards and a four-yard touchdown run.
“Everything I did in the offseason, from winter training to summer training, led to this result,” Castellanos said. “I've been preparing for this. Everything worked out.”
