Bill O'Brien Has Built a Monster: Boston College Defeats Florida State 28-13
In a performance that sent shockwaves through the college football world, the Boston College Eagles opened their 2024 season with a resounding 28-13 victory over the No. 10 Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium. On a warm Labor Day night in Tallahassee, the Eagles not only announced the arrival of the Bill O’Brien era but also served notice that Boston College is a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.
This victory was not just any win—it was a statement. For a program that has long been overshadowed in the ACC, Boston College’s dismantling of a top-10 opponent on the road marked a turning point. The win snapped a five-game losing streak to Florida State and was the Eagles’ first victory at Doak Campbell since 2008. It also signified their first triumph over a top-10 team since defeating USC in 2014 and their first season-opening win against a ranked foe since 1976.
Dominating the Trenches
The key to Boston College’s success was their dominance in the trenches. The Eagles’ offensive line, long a hallmark of the program, reasserted its presence on the national stage, paving the way for a bruising ground attack that amassed 263 rushing yards. Florida State, by contrast, managed a paltry 21 yards on the ground, a statistic that underscored the physicality and discipline of Boston College’s front seven.
“It’s really satisfying,” O’Brien said in a post-game interview with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt.
“These kids, since the day we walked in here—which was seven months ago—they’ve given us everything that they’ve had. They’re tough guys. We talked about winning it up front. BC, the tradition of offensive line and defensive lines—we won the game up front. We established a line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. And I thought these guys did a great job. I’m so proud of these guys.”
O’Brien’s pride in his team’s effort was well-placed. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos, in particular, showcased the poise and leadership that Boston College will rely on throughout the season. Castellanos completed 10 of 16 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 73 yards and another score. His versatility and ability to manage the game clock were crucial as the Eagles controlled possession for an astonishing 39 minutes and 9 seconds, keeping Florida State’s offense on the sidelines for much of the game.
Offensive Balance and Defensive Tenacity
Running backs Kye Robichaux and Treshaun Ward provided the balance necessary to keep Florida State’s defense on its heels. Robichaux led all rushers with 85 yards on 19 carries, while Ward, a former Seminole, added 77 yards on 12 carries and caught passes for 61 more. Ward’s familiarity with his former team only added to the irony of the situation, as he found the end zone in his debut for Boston College.
“You got to give Tommy a lot of credit,” O’Brien noted.
“Tommy, he’s worked very, very hard to get to this point. Obviously, he needs to continue that work ethic throughout the season, but he’s an electric player. He’s a guy that wants the ball. He’s a winner. He’s been a winner at every level. And we’re really excited and glad he’s on our team.”
Defensively, the Eagles were relentless. They stifled Florida State’s offense, holding them to just 13 points and forcing quarterback DJ Uiagalelei into an uncomfortable night. Uiagalelei completed 21 of 42 passes for 272 yards but failed to find the end zone, thanks to the Eagles’ pressure and sound coverage. Donovan Ezeiruaku led the defensive charge with two sacks, pushing his career total to 15.5, while Max Tucker snatched a pivotal third-quarter interception, setting up a Boston College touchdown that extended their lead.
Turning the Page
As thrilling as the victory was, O’Brien was quick to remind his team of the bigger picture. “Twenty-four-hour rule, right, Scott? We’re going to celebrate a little bit,” O’Brien said, reflecting on the win.
“This is a great win—it’s an awesome win for BC—but we got to turn the page, because we got to keep it going.”
Indeed, while the win over Florida State is a monumental achievement for Boston College, O’Brien and his players know that it’s just the beginning. The Eagles are off to a flying start, but the road ahead is long, and the challenge now is to build on this momentum and continue their ascent in the ACC.
With 68 percent of the roster returning from last year’s 7-6 squad, Boston College was already poised to make some noise in the conference. Monday night’s performance was not just a win—it was a declaration that a new era has begun, one where the Eagles are ready to challenge the traditional powers of the ACC and beyond.
Boston College has long waited for a breakthrough season, and if this game is any indication, the wait might finally be over. Under Bill O’Brien’s leadership, a monster is being built in Chestnut Hill, and the rest of the college football world is starting to take notice.
Final Thoughts
As the Eagles return to Chestnut Hill, the task at hand is clear: maintain focus, build on the lessons learned, and continue to play with the same intensity and precision that brought them victory in Tallahassee. If Boston College can do that, this season could be one for the history books.
For now, though, the Eagles and their fans can savor a win that is as sweet as it is significant.
For Boston, For Boston!
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