By Florida State entered Saturday needing something positive after one of the most turbulent weeks the program has experienced in years. The Seminoles got it.
FSU defeated Boston College 31-24 in Rick Stockstill’s first game as interim head coach, improving to 4-5 and keeping its bowl hopes alive. More importantly, Florida State snapped a 12-game true road losing streak that stretched back to the 2023 season, to the delight of their fans. Stockstill took over after FSU fired Mike Norvell on Nov. 1 following a 3-5 start.
Here are the biggest winners and losers from Saturday’s victory.
Winner: Rick Stockstill
There were plenty of reasons for Florida State to unravel after Norvell’s departure. Instead, Stockstill got the Seminoles to respond.
FSU fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter and later trailed again in the second half, but never allowed the game to get away. The Seminoles scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to leave Chestnut Hill with Stockstill’s first victory as interim coach.
His most memorable decision came just before halftime, when FSU dialed up a fake field goal on fourth-and-goal. Gabe Panikowski ran it in from a yard out to give the Seminoles a 21-17 lead.
Loser: Another slow start
Florida State eventually responded, but the opening quarter was once again concerning.
Boston College jumped ahead 10-0 while FSU’s first two possessions produced just five total yards. Against a stronger opponent, digging another early hole could be much more difficult to overcome.
The response was encouraging. The start was not.
Winner: Amari Thomas
With FSU’s running back room depleted by injuries, freshman Amari Thomas took advantage of his opportunity. Thomas finished with 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, including the 11-yard touchdown that put Florida State ahead 31-24 in the fourth quarter.
Thomas entered the week with only a handful of collegiate carries. He left Boston looking like another young player FSU needs to continue developing during the final weeks of the season.
Loser: FSU’s passing consistency
Ashton Daniels avoided the turnover problems that plagued him against Clemson for most of Saturday, but the passing game never fully found its rhythm. Daniels finished 15-of-26 for 178 yards with an interception, although he added a rushing touchdown.
With Robinson gone and the running back room thin, Florida State will need more consistency through the air during a difficult closing stretch. Still, style points mattered far less Saturday than simply finding a way to win.
After three consecutive losses, a coaching change and nearly three years without a true road victory, Florida State finally left an opponent’s stadium with something to celebrate.
Winner: Gabe Panikowski
Panikowski did a little bit of everything.
The veteran kicker scored on the first rushing attempt of his career with FSU’s fake field goal before halftime, then tied the game at 24 with a 22-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
On a day when Florida State needed a spark, its kicker provided one of the biggest plays of the afternoon. He has yet to miss a kick this season and has been a key part of the team.
Winner: Micahi Danzy
With Duce Robinson out for the season, Florida State needed another receiver to become the consistent focal point of its passing game. Micahi Danzy continues to answer that call.
Danzy led FSU with seven receptions for 86 yards, one week after recording 108 yards and a touchdown against Clemson. The explosive junior has become increasingly important as injuries continue to reshape Florida State’s offense.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Winners and losers from FSU's road win over Boston College
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/winners-losers-fsus-road-win-205405792.html
