Bill O’Brien reminded everyone that it was just one win, but it was a huge first win of 2024 for Boston College and for the O’Brien Era.
Treshaun Ward had 138 yards of total offense, including a 13-yard touchdown catch, against his old team as Boston College surprised No. 10 Florida State with a 28-13 victory on Monday night.
Ward, who is from Tampa and played at Florida State from 2019-22, had 77 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards. The Eagles (1-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) gained 263 rushing yards in total.
O’Brien, who started as coach in mid-February after Jeff Hafley left to become the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator, had a strong first game.
“I’m very proud of these guys,” O’Brien said. “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.”
The Eagles’ offense had touchdown drives of 71, 68, and 60 yards. BC defensive back Max Tucker also intercepted DJ Uiagalelei, and his 58-yard return set up the Eagles on Florida State’s goal line for another touchdown.
Florida State had won the last five games in the series but struggled on both offense and defense this time.
The Seminoles, considered a contender for the 12-team College Football Playoff, fell 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 able to go out and respond tonight.”
Uiagalelei completed 21 of 42 passes for 272 yards and a 29-yard touchdown pass to Kentron Poitier in the third quarter, bringing Florida State within 21-13.
But Boston College answered with a 60-yard drive in 12 plays, and Kye Robichaux’s 2-yard touchdown run made it 28-13 with 1:03 left in the third quarter.
