Boston College Stuns Florida State 28-13: A New Era Begins Under Bill O’Brien

In a shocking turn of events, Boston College delivered a resounding 28-13 victory over the 10th-ranked Florida State Seminoles, marking the end of the first week of the 2024 college football season. This defeat not only gave the Seminoles their second consecutive loss but also highlighted the significant challenges facing Florida State while showcasing a promising start to Bill O’Brien’s tenure as the head coach of the Eagles.

• Time: On Labor Day(Sep. 2, 2024) at 7:30 p.m
• Stadium: Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida

A Game of Missed Opportunities and Surprising Successes

Florida State entered the game with high hopes of recovering from their earlier defeat against Georgia Tech in Dublin. The trip overseas had been billed as an exciting start to the college football season, but the outcome left much to be desired. The Seminoles hoped that a return to their home turf would help them regain their form against Boston College. However, the Eagles had other plans, making it clear from the outset that they were not to be underestimated.

First Quarter Stalemate

The first quarter was a stalemate, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm.

Boston College Breaks Through

The game took a decisive turn in the second quarter. Boston College’s quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, led a methodical drive that chewed up nearly nine minutes of the clock, eventually capping it off with a four-yard quarterback sneak into the end zone. This early success was a harbinger of things to come, as the Eagles maintained their momentum throughout the game.

Extending the Lead

Shortly after their first touchdown, Treshawn Ward caught a 13-yard pass, extending Boston College’s lead and setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Florida State managed to put points on the board with two field goals before halftime, but these scores felt more like a consolation than a comeback. The Seminoles missed several critical opportunities to close the gap, most notably during Boston College’s second drive when Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei threw a pass intended for wide receiver Darion Williamson. Williamson was wide open in the end zone, but the pass was dropped, leaving Florida State with nothing to show for their efforts.

A Second-Half Meltdown for the Seminoles

The second half of the game only compounded Florida State’s woes. Early in the third quarter, Boston College’s defense came up with a game-changing play. Max Tucker, a defensive back for the Eagles, intercepted a desperate pass from Uiagalelei and returned it to Florida State’s 7-yard line. This critical mistake set up another touchdown for Boston College, putting them ahead by 15 points and effectively sealing the game.

Florida State’s Brief Resurgence

Florida State did manage to show some signs of life in the third quarter when wide receiver Kentron Poitier caught a 29-yard touchdown pass. However, Boston College responded swiftly with an eight-play, 60-yard drive that showcased their dominance on the ground. Seven of those eight plays were rushing attempts, emphasizing the Eagles’ control over the line of scrimmage and their ability to wear down the Seminoles’ defense.

Statistical Disparity and Stunned Crowd

By the end of the game, the statistical disparity between the two teams was glaring. Boston College had rushed for 263 yards on 52 attempts, a testament to their physical superiority and tactical execution. In contrast, Florida State’s rushing attack was virtually nonexistent, totaling just 21 yards for the entire game. This lopsided performance left the home crowd in Tallahassee stunned and raised serious questions about the Seminoles’ prospects for the rest of the season.

Florida State’s Season in Peril

The 2024 season, which began with such promise for Florida State, now appears to be on the brink of disaster. Coming off an undefeated 2023 regular season, the Seminoles were expected to build on that momentum and compete for a spot in the newly expanded College Football Playoff (CFP). However, with two consecutive losses to start the season, their path to the CFP has become extraordinarily difficult. To even have a shot at making the playoffs, Florida State would now need to win their next 10 games, a tall order given their current form.

Offensive and Defensive Struggles

The issues plaguing Florida State are numerous and significant. The offensive line has struggled to protect Uiagalelei, who has been under constant pressure. When Uiagalelei has had time to throw, his passes have often been inaccurate or dropped by his receivers. The running game, which was expected to be a strength for the Seminoles, has been almost nonexistent, further limiting their offensive options. On the defensive side, Florida State has been unable to stop the run, as evidenced by Boston College’s 263 rushing yards. Additionally, the Seminoles committed seven penalties, compared to just one by the Eagles, reflecting a lack of discipline that has hampered their efforts on both sides of the ball.

Playoff Hopes Diminished

While the expanded 12-team playoff format theoretically gives teams with early losses a chance to recover and compete for a national title, Florida State’s 0-2 start is particularly concerning. The Seminoles are the fourth team in the past decade to start 0-2 after being ranked in the AP preseason Top 10, and both losses have come in conference play. This poor start puts Florida State in a precarious position within the ACC, where they now find themselves trailing 17 other teams in the race for the conference championship and a potential playoff berth.

A Bright Start for Bill O’Brien and Boston College

In stark contrast to Florida State’s struggles, Boston College is off to a strong start under new head coach Bill O’Brien. The former head coach of the Houston Texans and offensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide was brought in earlier this year to replace Jeff Hafley, who left to become the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. O’Brien has wasted no time in making his mark on the program, leading the Eagles to a signature win over a top-10 opponent in just his first season.

Key Factors in the Victory

O’Brien’s success against Florida State can be attributed to several factors, chief among them being his creative play-calling and the Eagles’ dominance in the trenches. “We won this game in the trenches on both sides of the ball,” O’Brien said in a postgame interview with SportsCenter. His emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage paid off, as Boston College was able to establish a strong running game while stifling Florida State’s offense.

Looking Ahead for Boston College

This victory is a significant milestone for Boston College, a team that has not had an eight-win season since 2009. The Eagles were initially projected to finish in the lower half of the ACC, but their performance against Florida State suggests that they could be a force to be reckoned with this season. Boston College’s upcoming schedule includes a matchup against FCS opponent Duquesne in Week 2, followed by challenging games against No. 11 Missouri and Michigan State in Weeks 3 and 4. If the Eagles can build on their success and continue to play at a high level, they could potentially upset both Missouri and Michigan State, further solidifying their status as a contender in the ACC.

Florida State’s Urgent Need for Improvement

As Boston College looks ahead with optimism, Florida State faces an uphill battle to salvage its season. The Seminoles must quickly address their deficiencies and find a way to turn things around before their playoff hopes slip away entirely.