One less mistake would have given the Eagles a chance to win. Two to three less mistakes might have given Boston College a victory over third-ranked Florida State at Alumni Stadium.
Instead, a massive victory in the 10th rendition of the Red Bandanna Game fell just short as Boston College (1-2) fell to Florida State (3-0), 31-29.
A spirited, valiant effort was on display by Boston College from the get-go. This was to be expected on this day honoring the sacrifice and heroism of former BC lacrosse player Welles Crowther, who helped save so many lives on 9/11.
Down 31-10, big plays and timely stops brought the Eagles to within two with 5:19 left. A missed extra point forced a couple of missed two-point conversions, which might have easily made this a tied game. Boston College had to also climb the mountain of a program record 18 penalties in this game.
Despite it all, the Eagles forced a three-and-out, taking control of the ball with 4:37 left. After moving the ball, the drive ultimately stalled before punting the ball back to Florida State with 2:16 left.
Boston College had the stop, too, on a Florida State third down. But the laundry on the field again was pinned to the Eagles, with a face mask call on John Pupel ending the Eagles chances at a comeback.
A heartbreaking loss aside, there was plenty of good that happened on the field for Boston College on Saturday.
Thomas Castellanos spearheading offense
Three games into the 2023-24 season, transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos has cemented himself as the starter for Boston College.
One can only hope the stats, excitement, and thrilling plays translate to more victories for this Eagles squad.
Castellanos, on the big stage against Florida State, took another step in his progression. Decision making was improved and accuracy was better, helping Boston College get off to a hot start.
And huge plays on third and fourth downs throughout the game by Castellanos gave Boston College a chance at the upset.
Castellanos showed patience in letting plays develop, as evident on a 32-yard passes to Joe Griffin and Lewis Bond on the game's first drive.
Then there was a 45-yard run on third and 14 from his own five-yard line in the second quarter. And a 52-yard pass to Dino Tomlin on a third-and-17 in the third quarter.
Big plays by the sophomore continued in the fourth, with a seven-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-two for the game's final score.
All told, it was the best effort of the season by Castellanos (in a season full of them, thus far). He finished 20-33 for 305 yards, connecting with eight different receivers. Castellanos did have one interception in the team's rough start to the third quarter.
Castellanos also carried the ball 16 times for 95 yards and a score.
The running game was not all him, as Kye Robichaux added 64 yards and a score. The backfield was thin again, with Pat Garwo III out, and Robichaux took full advantage, converting a couple of huge third-and-fourth downs himself.
Going against a stout defense, Castellanos was impressive, helped by a receiver corps hungry for the huge play.
Lewis Bond and receiving corps
Bond, three games into the '23 season, is leading the pack as a top-favorite of Castellanos. And the redshirt-Sophomore continued to impress in Saturday's game against Florida State.
He only caught three passes but they were huge, going for 80 yards and the first quarter score. This production brought Bond's season totals to 12 catches, 175 yards, and two touchdowns, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.
As more attention is paid to Bond, opportunities will arise for others to step up. Last week it was Jaden Williams. While Williams was held out of the stat book Saturday, other members of the unit came to play, including Ryan O'Keefe.
Heading into the season, O'Keefe was projected as the breakout who would slot in nicely for the departed Zay Flowers. The truly spectacular performance has not happened yet but if O'Keefe keeps going, that game will happen soon.
The transfer from Central Florida has his best game as an Eagle, hauling in six receptions for 64 yards, including a huge 28-yard reception on third-and-20 on Boston College's last drive of the game.
Despite the lack of "wow", O'Keefe does lead the team in receptions with 15. But, a lot of those have been short passes and today's yardage double his season total to 128.
In spreading the ball around, Griffin (3 catches, 65 yards) and Dino Tomlin (2 catches, 57 yards) also stretched the field.
There were still a couple of drops but overall, the unit had a solid game, with the tight ends also getting involved (with opportunities to get involved even more going forward).
Boston College Eagles: Defense and special teams
A tall task was at hand for the Boston College Eagles defense against Florida State. It wasn't always pretty, and Florida State still made things look easy at times. Even with the struggles, the defense made opportune stops.
None bigger than a fourth quarter forced fumble by Elijah Jones, leading to a touchdown by Khari Johnson.
Boston College held Florida State to 2-9 on third down conversions, which is great. Trouble was, when Florida State was rolling, Boston College had trouble even getting them to third down.
There were encouraging signs in holding Florida State to 340 total yards. Individual efforts were again fantastic and it was great to see the unit coming together more to contribute to the overall effort on defense.
Kam Arnold had nine tackles, seven all by himself. Pupel, despite the late mistake, also had nine tackles as he continues to have a solid season.
Vinny DePalma made seven tackles and Jones added six and a pass break-up to go along with the forced fumble.
Boston College added some oomph on special teams, with a fumble recovery by Victor Nelson Jr.
It feels like the Eagles are on the cusp of putting together a nice run. Their two losses have come by a combined five points and their offense is coming together (albeit one struggling with pre-snap penalties). Against one of the conference's top teams, the Eagles outperformed Florida State in almost every category.
Fix the mistakes and winning season will be had. A great place to start will be next Saturday against Louisville, where Boston College plays their first road game of the season.
photo credit: WikiMedia Commons
More Boston College Eagles football - 2023
- Boston College defeats Holy Cross
- 3 standouts in loss to N. Illinois
- Receivers looking to replace production of Zay Flowers
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