Miami survived a chaotic finish and escaped Florida State with a 43-35 double-overtime win in a game that kept twisting right up to the final replay review.
The Seminoles, heavy underdogs entering the day, pushed the Hurricanes to the edge on the road and even managed to force a second overtime. But the last two Florida State snaps turned into one heartbreak after another, with what looked like miracle touchdowns wiped away as Miami held on.
Both teams found the end zone in the first overtime, setting up a second extra period that immediately tilted Miami’s way. The Hurricanes scored again and added a two-point conversion, forcing Florida State into a must-answer situation.
That’s where things unraveled. A sack and a false start sent the Seminoles backward and left them staring at 4th-and-21. Ashton Daniels then appeared to connect with Micahi Danzy in the end zone for what would have been a stunning score, but the play was wiped out by a questionable holding call.
The penalty backed Florida State up to 4th-and-31, effectively turning the drive into a Hail Mary shot. Daniels rolled out and launched the ball, and Duce Robinson seemed to haul in what could have been another impossible touchdown.
Instead, Bryce Fitzgerald came away with the ball for the game-ending interception. The officials sent the play to replay review and upheld the call, sealing the win for Miami even though Robinson had a case that he came down with it first.
In the end, Miami avoided becoming part of the upset roundup, but only after surviving one of the wildest finishes of the college football day.
In Other News...
FSU Still Has Key Lineup Questions Entering Rivalry Game At Miami
Florida State heads into its rivalry game at Miami with the injury picture still taking shape, and both teams have already ruled out a combined 15 players. For the Seminoles, the good news is that defensive back Zae Thomas was upgraded from probable to available, giving the secondary a little more stability for a matchup where every available body matters.
Even so, there are still lineup questions hanging over the Seminoles, with offensive lineman Paul Bowling and defensive lineman Darryll Desir remaining probable. Miami coach Mario Cristobal said several defensive players are expected to play, which adds another layer of uncertainty to a game that already carries plenty of pressure and no shortage of physical stakes. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Faces A Rivalry Test That Could Define This Season
Florida State walks into one of the biggest stages on its schedule Saturday night, heading to Hard Rock Stadium for the annual rivalry meeting with third-ranked Miami. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN, and even before the opening whistle, the matchup carries the feel of a measuring-stick game for the Seminoles against a team with postseason ambitions and plenty of momentum.
The numbers around the game underscore the challenge. Florida State has had some success in Miami over the years, but the Hurricanes still own the all-time series edge, and the betting line reflects how steep the task looks on paper, with the Seminoles listed as 20.5-point underdogs in a game with an over/under of 56.5. For Florida State, it is the kind of rivalry test that can reshape the conversation around a season in a hurry, for better or worse. [Read more 🡒]