Stockstill leads FSU past Boston College in road win
Interim coach Rick Stockstill secured his first victory as Florida State snapped a nearly three-year road losing streak with a 31-24 decision over the Eagles.
By Marco Kapoor ·
Rick Stockstill began his tenure as Florida State's interim head coach with a 31-24 victory over Boston College on Saturday. The win marked the Seminoles' first road success since November 25, 2023, breaking a drought that spanned almost three years.
The matchup served as Stockstill's debut following the dismissal of Mike Norvell after more than six seasons with the program. Florida State entered the contest with a 4-5 record, including a 2-4 mark in ACC play. Boston College, also 4-5 overall and 2-4 in the conference, sought to recover from a previous week's loss to Duke, which represented the most lopsided defeat of Bill O'Brien's two-year tenure.
Boston College took an early lead, with Bo MacCormack III rushing for a 6-yard touchdown on the opening drive. The Eagles extended their advantage to 17-7 in the second quarter. Florida State responded in the final six minutes of the half, as Amari Thomas ran 20 yards down the right sideline to reduce the deficit to three points.
With the score at 17-14 and 51 seconds remaining in the first half, the Seminoles executed a fake field goal. Holder Carter Jula lateraled to Gabe Panikowski, who caught the ball in stride and scored from 20 yards out. This play put Florida State ahead 21-17 at the break.
In the third quarter, Boston College quarterback Mason McKenzie returned to the field after being shaken up. He completed a 2-yard underhanded pass to Javarius Green, pushing the Eagles back into the lead at 24-21. McKenzie finished the game 15 for 27 for 166 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.
Panikowski kicked a 22-yard field goal to tie the game at 24 points. Florida State then mounted a 14-play, 90-yard drive to seal the win. Thomas finished the sequence with an 11-yard run to the outside with 2:29 left on the clock. The Seminoles' Ashton Daniels completed 15 of 26 passes for 178 yards with one interception.
Center Bradyn Welch-Joiner was carried off the field on a stretcher with what appeared to be an inflatable cast on his right foot and ankle.
More Sports · National news · Report a business · Got a Story?
