Stockstill wins debut as Florida State edges Boston College 31-24
Amari Thomas scored the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter, capping a 90-yard drive that ended a nearly three-year road losing streak for the Seminoles.
By Marta Gray ·
Rick Stockstill won his first game as interim head coach of Florida State on Saturday, leading the Seminoles to a 31-24 victory over Boston College. The result marked the program’s first road win since November 25, 2023, ending a drought that had spanned almost three years.
Amari Thomas provided the decisive play, rushing for two touchdowns. His final score was an 11-yard run to the outside with 2:29 left in the fourth quarter. The Seminoles (4-5, 2-4 ACC) had previously trailed 17-14 in the second quarter before executing a fake field goal attempt. Holder Carter Jula lateraled to kicker Gabe Panikowski, who ran it in to give Florida State a 21-17 lead at halftime.
Boston College (4-5, 2-4) opened the game with a 6-yard touchdown run by Bo MacCormack III, building an early 10-0 lead. The Eagles took the lead again in the third quarter on a 2-yard underhanded pass from Mason McKenzie to Javarius Green. That score came after a confusing offensive play where players spun in a circle before lining up in a spread formation.
McKenzie completed 15 of 27 passes for 166 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He left the field midway through the third quarter after being shaken up but returned for the next series. The Eagles had come into the game looking to rebound from their worst loss of Bill O'Brien’s tenure, which occurred the previous week at Duke.
Ashton Daniels completed 15 of 26 passes for 178 yards and one interception for Florida State. The Seminoles tied the game at 24 with a 22-yard field goal by Panikowski. They then drove 90 yards on 14 plays to secure the win. This was Florida State’s first game since firing Mike Norvell after more than six seasons with the program.
Center Bradyn Welch-Joiner was carted off the field with an inflatable cast on his right foot and ankle. The Seminoles finished the drive for the winning touchdown after Boston College failed to stop them on the previous possession. The final score stood at 31-24 in favor of Florida State.
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