Florida State Rallies for Interim Head Coaches First Victory

Florida State began a new chapter in its football season with a much needed victory, giving interim coach Rick Stockstill a winning debut in a 31-24 road victory over Boston College on Saturday in an ACC matchup. Amari Thomas rushed for two touchdowns, including an 11-yard score with 2:29 remaining in the fourth quarter that put the Seminoles ahead for good.

Florida State (4-5, 2-4 ACC) overcame an early 10-point deficit and rallied from a late tie to secure its first road victory since Nov. 25, 2023. The victory came in Florida State’s first game since firing Mike Norvell after more than six seasons as head coach. Stockstill, tasked with guiding the Seminoles through the remainder of the season, got his tenure off to a positive start.

Ashton Daniels completed 15 of 26 passes for 178 yards and an interception for Florida State, while Thomas provided the offensive spark with his two touchdown runs. Mason McKenzie finished 15 of 27 for 166 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for Boston College (4-5, 2-4), which suffered another frustrating defeat after last week’s lopsided loss at Duke.

Florida State Rallies From Early Deficit

Boston College struck first, scoring on its opening possession when Bo MacCormack III ran for a 6-yard touchdown. The Eagles built a 10-0 advantage and appeared poised to take control against a Florida State team adjusting to its coaching change.

The Seminoles responded with two touchdowns during the final six minutes of the first half to erase their deficit and take a 21-17 lead into halftime. Thomas got Florida State back into the game with a 20-yard touchdown run down the right sideline, cutting Boston College’s advantage to three points.

The Seminoles then pulled off a successful fake field goal with 51 seconds remaining in the half. Gabe Panikowski took the ball and ran it in from one yard out for a touchdown, putting Florida State in front for the first time.

Boston College Uses Trick Play to Regain Lead

Boston College battled back in the second half and briefly regained control with an unusual touchdown that gave the Eagles a 24-21 advantage. McKenzie was shaken up and left the game midway through the third quarter but returned on the following series. He capped off a creative trick play in which the entire Boston College offense spun around in a circle before lining up in a spread formation.

After the snap, McKenzie delivered an underhanded pass to Javarius Green for a 2-yard touchdown, giving the Eagles the lead. Florida State answered with a 22-yard field goal from Panikowski to tie the game at 24-24, setting up a dramatic finish.

Thomas Delivers the Game Winning Touchdown

With the score tied late in the fourth quarter, Florida State put together its most important drive of the afternoon. The Seminoles marched 90 yards in 14 plays, steadily moving down the field before Thomas broke to the outside for an 11-yard touchdown run with 2:29 remaining. The score gave Florida State a 31-24 lead, and the Seminoles held on to secure the seven-point victory and send Stockstill off with a win in his first game as interim coach.

The victory provides a much needed boost for a Florida State program that has endured a disappointing season and a coaching shake up. While the Seminoles still have work to do to improve their ACC standing, Saturday’s comeback demonstrated resilience during a difficult transition. Florida State also suffered an injury concern when center Bradyn Welch-Joiner was carted off the field with what appeared to be an injury to his right foot or ankle.

Up Coming College Football Games

Florida State will return to action Friday night when the Seminoles travel to face Pittsburgh in another ACC matchup. The game will provide Stockstill with his first opportunity to build on his successful debut. Boston College will look to rebound next Saturday when the Eagles travel to face No. 11 Notre Dame. After consecutive disappointing performances, the Eagles will face another difficult challenge against a nationally ranked opponent.