Boston College vs. Florida State Football: A History of Gridiron Battles
The rivalry between the Boston College Eagles and the Florida State Seminoles is one marked by memorable moments, surprising upsets, and shifts in conference power. Since Boston College's entry into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2005, the series has become an annual affair, adding another chapter to the rich history of both programs. While Florida State holds a 13-5 series lead, the games have often been closely contested, with several outcomes decided by a single touchdown or less.
Early Encounters and a Bowden Milestone
Before Boston College joined the ACC, the two schools met three times. A significant moment occurred in 1976 when Bobby Bowden, then the head coach of Florida State, secured his first road victory with the Seminoles. In that game, Florida State triumphed over the previously undefeated Eagles with a score of 28-9, signaling an early marker in what would become a storied career for Bowden.
2005: A Rude Welcome to the ACC
In 2005, Boston College was excited to host their first ACC game against No. 8 Florida State. However, the Seminoles quickly dampened the enthusiasm of the 17th-ranked Eagles. On the first play of the game, Seminole linebacker A.J. Nicholson intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. Despite Boston College holding a lead at halftime, the game took a turn when their starting quarterback was injured, forcing a young backup named Matthew Ryan into action. Ryan struggled to make an impact, and Florida State ultimately secured a 28-17 victory, fueled by two touchdown catches from Greg Carr. This game served as a stark introduction for Boston College to the challenges of ACC competition.
2007: Upset in a Frigid Downpour
The 2007 college football season was marked by unexpected outcomes, and the Boston College-Florida State game was no exception. Boston College, ranked No. 2 in the nation and led by Heisman candidate Matt Ryan, faced a 5-3 Florida State team. The Eagles were looking to break the "curse of No. 2," which had seen the three previous teams holding that ranking suffer losses. The game was played in a frigid downpour, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph due to the remnants of Hurricane Noel. Matt Ryan struggled, throwing three interceptions, including one to Geno Hayes that was returned for a game-sealing touchdown in the final minutes. Florida State emerged victorious, taking home a piece of the Eagles' sod and shattering their BCS hopes.
2018: A Bright Spot in a Difficult Season
The 2018 season was a challenging one for Florida State fans. However, one highlight was an upset victory over No. 22 Boston College in Tallahassee. Cam Akers ran for 110 yards, and a late 74-yard touchdown pass from Deondre Francois to Tamorrion Terry secured a 22-21 victory for FSU, snapping a three-game losing streak. This win provided a moment of relief and celebration during a tough season.
Read also: Gridiron Showdown: Missouri vs. Boston College
2019: Overcoming Adversity
The 2019 matchup saw the Seminoles in a state of flux. Willie Taggart had just been fired after a loss to Miami, and Odell Haggins was named the interim coach. Facing Boston College, the Seminoles fell behind by two scores in the first half. However, they rallied back, with D.J. Matthews scoring on a 60-yard catch and run and Jordan Travis adding a 66-yard touchdown run. This comeback victory demonstrated the Seminoles' resilience in the face of adversity.
Read also: ACC Showdown: Virginia Tech Battles Boston College
Read also: History of the BU Bridge
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