Bill O’Brien Era Begins with Upset Victory over Florida State
The Bill O’Brien era at Boston College got off to a strong start as the Eagles pulled off an upset victory against No. 10 Florida State, who fell to 0-2 for the season. Boston College’s offensive line dominated the game, while Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei struggled to find his rhythm, going 21-for-42 for 272 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Boston College showcased their prowess on the ground, amassing 263 rushing yards in the 28-13 win. Kye Robichaux led the rushing attack with 18 carries for 85 yards, closely followed by Treshaun Ward with 12 carries for 77 yards. Ward also made an impact in the passing game, recording three catches for 61 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Eagles quarterback Thomas Castellanos had a solid performance, going 10-for-16 for 106 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also contributed with his legs, rushing for 66 yards and another touchdown.
Meanwhile, Florida State’s struggles continue as they become the fourth AP Top-10 ranked team in the last 10 seasons to start 0-2. The Seminoles lost several key players to the NFL Draft, including three first-team All-ACC performers, leaving noticeable gaps in their lineup.
One of the main issues for Florida State has been the inability of Uiagalelei to fill the shoes of his predecessor, Jordan Travis. Uiagalelei has struggled with accuracy down the field, missing open receivers in critical situations. However, the problems extend beyond the quarterback position. Despite having an experienced offensive line, the Seminoles have struggled to create running lanes for their backs. In their season-opening loss to Georgia Tech, they managed just 98 rushing yards and averaged only 3.16 yards per carry. Against Boston College, they only had 28 rushing yards through three quarters and abandoned the run after falling behind.
The biggest disappointment for Florida State has been their front seven on defense. Expected to have a dominant defensive line, the Seminoles have been unable to stop the run effectively, giving up 190 rushing yards and 5.28 yards per carry in their opening game against Georgia Tech. They were once again shredded by Boston College, allowing 263 rushing yards.
Despite the focus on Florida State’s struggles, credit must be given to Boston College and their new head coach, Bill O’Brien. O’Brien was hired late in the coaching carousel and took over the program in February. He inherited a talented quarterback in Castellanos, who played within the system and provided stability for the Eagles’ offense. Additionally, Boston College’s offensive line was dominant, paving the way for their impressive rushing attack.
The victory over Florida State is a significant accomplishment for Boston College, considering the preseason projections that had them finishing 14th in the ACC out of 17 teams. In contrast, Florida State was predicted to win the conference. The Eagles have exceeded expectations, while the Seminoles find themselves in turmoil.
One player who had a standout performance in the game was Treshaun Ward. The graduate running back transferred to Boston College from Kansas State this offseason, but prior to that, he spent four seasons at Florida State. Ward made the most of his return to Doak Campbell Stadium, capitalizing on the dominant offensive line to average 6.4 yards per carry. With Boston College’s strong running game, Ward’s presence adds another dimension to their offense.
While the victory over Florida State is a positive start for the Bill O’Brien era at Boston College, there are still challenges ahead. The Eagles face a tough test against Missouri in two weeks. However, O’Brien’s arrival has injected optimism into the program, and his ability to navigate the challenges ahead will be crucial in taking Boston College to the next level.