For all of the importance of transfers that bring production and experience, Florida State needed an infusion of freshmen to win at Boston College on Saturday.
Amari Thomas had 19 carries for 98 yards and two touchdowns, including what was the game-winner with 2:29 left in the Seminoles’ 31-24 win.
“I’m just proud of myself and proud of my team that we got this win,” said Thomas, who had starred at Marianna and Blountstown in his high school career.
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Thomas showed his speed and physicality. But impressively, not one of those 19 carries went for negative yards. Thomas came into the game with four carries and four receptions, although he had displayed stunning numbers at Blountstown in 2025 with 1,799 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on just 117 carries.
“That’s the most reps he’s gotten, for a freshman,” FSU interim head coach Rick Stockstill said. “The thing you worry about young people is their ball security. He did a great job with that and then he finished forward. They knocked him back, he finished runs forward.”
FSU (4-5, 2-4 ACC) halted a three-game slide despite some of the team’s most productive players sidelined. Thomas was FSU’s No. 4 tailback and on Saturday was more than a complementary piece to Tre’ Wisner. But with Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. sidelined due to injury, the Seminoles still accumulated 202 yards on 45 carries.
A pair of freshmen receivers also impressed, earning more playing time with Duce Robinson out for the season with a knee injury.
Jasen Lopez’s punt return and four catches helped spark FSU’s offense. (photo via FSU athletics)
Jasen Lopez made his first college start, had a 40-yard punt return that set up FSU’s first touchdown and also had four catches for a season-high 54 yards (on five targets).
“He’s getting better every week,” Stockstill said. “With Duce going down, he got a little bit more of an opportunity today. Made some phenomenal catches today.”
Devin Carter had three kick returns for 59 yards, including a 24-yarder in the first quarter. He also earned a few snaps on offense at receiver.
Defensive end Cam Brooks, who missed the spring and FSU’s first seven games due to injury, had a tackle for loss in the first quarter. Brooks’ TFL came on a first down, wrapping up quarterback Mason McKenzie, on a drive that resulted in a BC punt.
In what has been a trying week for Stockstill, the assistants and players after coach Mike Norvell’s dismissal, the Seminoles left BC with a win that showed their resolve. The freshmen also showed they have a bright future ahead, whether it’s in FSU’s final three games or for the next head coach who will evaluate and push to retain them in 2027.
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