British Columbia wins decisive victory at Florida State in Bill O’Brien’s debut

Former BC stars — from Matt Ryan to Doug Flutie to Zay Flowers — voiced their overwhelming approval on social media as BC dominated a perennial powerhouse in front of a national audience.

Two years after beating the Seminoles 44-14 on the same court, the two teams reversed roles this time. Boston College earned its first win over the Seminoles since 2017, and its first season-opening victory against a ranked opponent since 1976.

“I’m very proud of these guys,” O’Brien said. “They were resilient tonight. To come out here against a team that they felt they had to win, it’s a big statement for B.C. But it’s just one win. It’s just one. We have to understand that.”

The Eagles crushed the hosts up front, rushing for 263 yards on 52 carries (5.1 average). They held the ball for just over 39 minutes of play, completely dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides, as FSU rushed for just 21 yards on 16 carries.

BC (1-0, 1-0 ACC) took control from the opening whistle, rushing 102 yards to Florida State’s four and owning the ball for nearly 51 seconds of the first quarter. The Eagles relied on their veteran offensive line to rush for 69 yards, while the Seminoles (0-2, 0-2 ACC) didn’t record a single yard on the ground.

Castellanos (10 of 16 passing, 106 yards, 2 TDs; 14 rushes, 73 yards, 1 TD) gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead on the first play of the second quarter, sprinting from 4 yards out and diving headfirst into the end zone.

O’Brien has touted Castellanos’ progress as a decision-maker and passer throughout the offseason, and it was easy to see why. Castellanos’ creativity and O’Brien’s discipline have a chance to form a dangerous combination.

BC’s defense forced another three-and-out, then Castellanos hit former FSU running back Treshaun Ward (12 carries, 77 yards; 3 receptions, 61 yards, 1 TD) for a 42-yard gain down the right sideline. Moments later, he found Ward for a 13-yard TD pass to put the Eagles ahead, 14-0, with 9:58 left in the half.

“In the back of our minds, it’s always nice to have a little revenge game for one of our teammates,” running back Kye Robichaux said.

Khari Johnson (4 tackles) and the BC defense managed another three-and-out. At one point, Boston College had 174 yards to Florida State’s eight. The Seminoles didn’t record a first down until 6:13 into the second quarter.

Once FSU briefly found its feet, Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku (4 tackles, 2 sacks) recorded a key sack, and Kam Arnold broke up a pass in the end zone to force the Seminoles into a field goal. Ryan Fitzgerald hit a 31-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-3 with 5:05 left.

The Seminoles had a chance to score a big goal, but quarterback DJ Uiagalelei missed several open receivers. FSU had to settle for another field goal, this one from 24 yards out with 25 seconds left, and the Eagles took a 14-6 lead into halftime.

Boston College possessed the ball for more than 21 minutes, held the Seminoles to 10 rushing yards and finished the first half 6 of 9 on third down — and yet FSU trailed by just one point at halftime.

BC didn’t commit a single penalty in the entire first half, after racking up a program-record 18 in an upset win over Florida State last year. The Eagles outplayed the Seminoles in many areas in this game, but the penalties weighed heavily, depriving them of a win that could have changed the course of the program.

“We have to be a disciplined football team,” O’Brien said. “We have to be a team that plays with composure, a resilient team. I believe that helps you win football games.”

BC quickly regained momentum in the second half. FSU elected to take a chance on a fourth-and-5 from its own 47, and Max Tucker intercepted a floated pass from Uiagalelei and returned it 58 yards. Two plays later, Castellanos connected with Robichaux (19 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD) for a 4-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 21-6 with 11:58 left in the third period.

Kentron Poitier had a 29-yard touchdown run for FSU, then Robichaux scored again – this time on the ground from 2 yards out – to give BC a 15-point cushion after three quarters.

“Boston College has to be known for its offensive line,” O’Brien said. “We have a great tradition of offensive linemen here, and I hope these guys can continue that. They started off on a good note tonight.”

The Seminoles never posed a threat in the final inning, and BC salted away the game in the fourth to solidify a signature road triumph.

“We’ve got to be able to handle success the same way we handled adversity tonight, handle it the same way,” O’Brien said. “We’re on the right track. That’s for sure.”

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You can contact Trevor Hass at [email protected].