FSU Football Looks to Bounce Back Against Boston College in Home Opener
Florida State University (FSU) football fans are eagerly awaiting Monday night’s home opener against Boston College as the Seminoles look to rebound from a shocking season-opening loss to Georgia Tech in Ireland. Kickoff at Doak Campbell Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing nationally on ESPN.
FSU entered the 2024 season with high expectations, but those were quickly dashed as the No. 10 Seminoles fell to the unranked Yellow Jackets, 24-21, in Dublin. The loss snapped FSU’s 12-game Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) winning streak and left fans and players alike searching for answers.
“It was sickening,” said FSU head coach Mike Norvell after the loss. “We didn’t play to our standard, and we know we have to be better.”
Norvell’s team will have its first opportunity to do just that when it hosts Boston College, which begins a new era under head coach Bill O’Brien. The Eagles return 12 of their 22 starters from last season, including quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who rushed for 1,113 yards and threw for 2,248 yards in 2023.
“Boston College is a team that will come out and punch us in the mouth,” said Norvell. “We have to be ready for a physical game and play with a sense of urgency.”
FSU enters the contest as a 16.5-point favorite, but Boston College nearly pulled off the upset in last year’s meeting, losing 31-29 as a 27.5-point underdog. The Eagles’ running game, which ranked 13th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) last season with 198.8 rushing yards per game, will pose a significant challenge to the Seminoles’ defense.
“Our offensive line has to be physical up front, and our defense has to contain Thomas Castellanos,” said FSU defensive end Jermaine Johnson, who led the team in sacks last season. “If we can do that, we should be in good shape.”
FSU fans are hoping to see improvements in several areas, including a more aggressive passing attack from quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The California native completed 19 of 27 passes for 193 yards in his FSU debut but struggled to push the ball downfield against Georgia Tech.
“We need to stretch the field early on offense and let DJ make some throws downfield,” said former FSU offensive lineman Forrest Conoly. “That will help open up the running game.”
FSU fans will also be treated to one of the most unique pregame rituals in college football as Osceola and Renegade take the field. The Seminole Tribe symbols perform a ceremony that includes Osceola riding Renegade onto the field while holding a flaming spear. The ritual began in 1978 and is a beloved tradition among FSU fans.
Despite the excitement surrounding the home opener, FSU will be without several key players due to injuries. Starting right tackle Jeremiah Byers, linebacker Omar Graham Jr., linebacker Shawn Murphy, and wide receiver Hykeem Williams have all been ruled out for Monday’s game.
“We’ll have to adjust on the fly,” said Norvell. “But we have depth, and our guys are ready to step up.”
FSU football fans are hopeful that the Seminoles can put their season-opening loss behind them and start building momentum towards an ACC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
“We’re excited to be back home and play in front of our fans,” said Johnson. “We know we have a lot to prove, and we’re ready to get to work.”
FSU football fans will be cheering loudly, hoping to see their team dominate on both sides of the ball and secure a victory over Boston College.