Florida State Opens Stockstill Era With Road Win Over Boston College

Amari Thomas scored twice on the ground, including an 11-yard touchdown with 2:29 remaining, as Florida State defeated Boston College 31-24 in Boston on November 7. The Seminoles’ win was their first away from home since November 25, 2023, and came in their first game since Mike Norvell was fired after more than six seasons as coach.

Florida State (4-5, 2-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) fell behind 17-7 in the second quarter, then scored twice in the final six minutes of the first half. Thomas broke free for a 20-yard touchdown, and Gabe Panikowski scored on a one-yard run after a fake field goal to put the Seminoles ahead 21-17.

Boston College (4-5, 2-4) regained the lead in the third quarter when quarterback Mason McKenzie threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Javarius Green on a trick play. The Eagles had all their players spin before lining up, and McKenzie delivered the short pass after returning from an injury. Panikowski’s 22-yard field goal tied the score at 24.

Florida State then drove 90 yards over 14 plays for Thomas’ decisive touchdown. Quarterback Ashton Daniels made 15 of 26 pass attempts for 178 yards and was intercepted once. McKenzie threw for 166 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Stockstill, who played quarterback at Florida State, said the debut was emotional and that he had committed himself to the team for the coming months. The Seminoles visit Pittsburgh on Friday, while Boston College faces No. 11 Notre Dame next Saturday. The Eagles are coming off a 47-2 loss to Duke.