No. 3 Miami survived a dramatic rivalry game against Florida State on Saturday, October 17, defeating the Seminoles 43-35 in double overtime at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The game ended with a disputed interception in the end zone after a holding penalty had erased what appeared to be a potential game-tying Florida State touchdown.
Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald was credited with intercepting quarterback Ashton Daniels' final pass, despite a simultaneous-possession dispute involving Florida State receiver Duce Robinson. Officials upheld the interception after replay review, leaving the Seminoles frustrated and preserving Miami's unbeaten season.
The Hurricanes improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Florida State fell to 3-4 and 1-3 in conference play after nearly defeating a Miami team that entered the game favored by approximately three touchdowns.
The victory became even more significant Sunday when Miami rose to No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time since 2002. The Hurricanes benefited from an extraordinary weekend in which five of the previous top seven teams lost.
Miami Survives a Fierce Rivalry Battle
Miami opened the game with an efficient scoring drive after its defense forced Florida State to punt. Quarterback Darian Mensah connected with Malachi Toney for a 30-yard gain before running back Mark Fletcher Jr. scored on a seven-yard run.
The touchdown gave Miami an early 7-0 advantage, but Florida State quickly demonstrated that it would not be overwhelmed by its highly ranked opponent.
Daniels connected with tight end Desirrio Riles for a 23-yard touchdown early in the second quarter, tying the game. Miami responded when Mensah found Toney for a 14-yard touchdown pass.
Florida State continued moving the ball effectively against the Hurricanes' defense. Late in the first half, Miami penalties helped the Seminoles advance deep into opposing territory.
Daniels finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run, sending the teams into halftime tied at 14. The score reflected a more competitive matchup than the pregame betting line had suggested.
Florida State carried that momentum into the third quarter. Daniels connected with Quintrevion Wisner on a 28-yard touchdown pass to give the Seminoles their first lead, 21-14.
Miami struggled to regain its offensive rhythm during that period. The Hurricanes entered the fourth quarter trailing, increasing pressure on Mensah and the offense to produce a comeback.
Running back Javian Mallory answered with a three-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 21. His performance became increasingly important as Miami tried to regain control.
The Hurricanes then capitalized on a Florida State fumble forced by Ethan O'Connor and recovered by Xavier Lucas. Miami turned that opportunity into a 10-play, 61-yard drive ending with a three-yard touchdown reception by Elija Lofton.
The score put Miami ahead 28-21 with 2:49 remaining in regulation. For a brief moment, the Hurricanes appeared ready to secure a narrow victory without overtime.
Florida State answered immediately.
Daniels connected with Robinson for a 75-yard touchdown, stunning the Miami crowd and tying the score at 28. The explosive play forced the first overtime meeting between the rivals since 2004.
Second Overtime Produces Dramatic Finish
Florida State scored first in overtime when Daniels connected with Robinson on a 20-yard touchdown pass. Miami answered with Mallory's 25-yard scoring run, leaving both teams tied at 35.
The Hurricanes took possession first in the second overtime and quickly moved toward the end zone.
Mensah connected with Toney on a three-yard touchdown pass, giving Miami a 41-35 advantage. Under college football overtime rules, teams must attempt a two-point conversion beginning with the second overtime period.
Miami responded with a trick play that placed the football in Toney's hands. Rather than attempting to run into the end zone, the receiver threw a successful conversion pass to Cooper Barkate.
The play extended Miami's lead to 43-35, forcing Florida State to score a touchdown and complete its own two-point conversion to continue the game.
The Seminoles faced immediate difficulty on their possession. Miami's defensive pressure forced Daniels backward, with Omar Thornton recording a sack before two incomplete passes.
Florida State faced fourth-and-21 and needed another remarkable play to remain alive.
Daniels threw toward the end zone, where receiver Micahi Danzy appeared to make a spectacular touchdown catch. However, officials called offensive holding against Florida State lineman Xavier Chaplin.
The penalty erased the apparent touchdown and pushed Florida State into an even more difficult fourth-and-31 situation.
That decision became the first major officiating controversy of the game's final moments. Some Florida State supporters questioned whether the contact justified a holding penalty, while officials enforced the infraction.
The Seminoles still had one final opportunity.
Disputed Hail Mary Interception Ends the Game
On fourth-and-31 from the Miami 46-yard line, Daniels rolled to his right and launched a desperation pass toward the end zone.
Robinson jumped for the football alongside Fitzgerald, with both players appearing to gain contact with the ball during a struggle for possession.
The players landed together, and officials ruled that Fitzgerald had intercepted the pass. Florida State players and coaches disputed the decision, believing Robinson had secured a touchdown.
Replay officials reviewed the play but determined there was insufficient evidence to overturn the ruling on the field.
The interception therefore stood, ending the game and securing Miami's eight-point victory.
The decision generated immediate debate because college football rules generally award possession to the offense when opposing players establish simultaneous possession of a legal forward pass.
The central question was whether Robinson and Fitzgerald possessed the ball simultaneously or whether Fitzgerald had established control first. The replay review did not produce a reversal.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal supported the ruling, saying he believed Fitzgerald had secured possession. Florida State coach Mike Norvell questioned the decision and said the officiating crew had not provided a satisfactory explanation.
Norvell also referenced a previous disputed ending involving the same officiating crew, reflecting his frustration with another close game decided by a reviewed play.
However, the available replay ruling did not establish that the officials had incorrectly applied the possession rules. The call remained an interception because replay officials did not find sufficient evidence to change it.
The controversy recalled Miami's disputed finish against Virginia Tech in 2024, when a late touchdown ruling was overturned following review. In both games, contested end-zone possession became central to the outcome.
Toney and Mallory Lead Miami's Offense
Toney delivered one of the most productive performances of his college career, finishing with 11 receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
He also rushed for 31 yards on two carries and threw the decisive two-point conversion pass. His contributions gave Miami several ways to move the football when Florida State's defense created problems.
Mensah completed 23 of 34 passes for 326 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His performance helped Miami accumulate 583 yards of total offense.
Mallory added 108 rushing yards on 13 carries and scored twice. His 25-yard overtime touchdown was particularly important because it prevented Florida State from winning after scoring on its opening possession of extra time.
For the Seminoles, Daniels completed 15 of 28 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 31 yards and a touchdown.
Robinson's two late touchdown receptions were among Florida State's most important offensive plays. His 75-yard score near the end of regulation completely changed the game's direction.
Despite those performances, Florida State could not overcome the final overtime penalties and disputed possession ruling.
The Seminoles also suffered a significant injury when running back Ousmane Kromah hurt his left ankle during the second quarter. He later underwent season-ending surgery, further complicating Florida State's remaining schedule.
Miami Reaches No. 1 as Florida State Regroups
Sunday's Associated Press rankings reflected the unusual results across college football.
Miami received 40 of 70 first-place votes, moving ahead of BYU and Ohio State. The Hurricanes reached the top position for the first time since the end of their 2002 season, when they played Ohio State for the national championship.
BYU rose to No. 2 after defeating Notre Dame 28-24, while Ohio State moved into third place. Notre Dame and Georgia completed the top five despite suffering losses.
Miami's victory preserved its undefeated record and strengthened its position in the race for an ACC championship and a College Football Playoff berth.
The narrow result also exposed areas requiring improvement. Florida State repeatedly moved the ball against Miami's defense, while penalties and turnovers allowed the Seminoles to remain competitive throughout the contest.
For Norvell and Florida State, the defeat was especially difficult because the team entered as a heavy underdog but repeatedly challenged one of the nation's strongest programs.
The Seminoles have a bye week before facing Clemson on October 31. Miami will host Pittsburgh on October 24 in its first game since taking over the No. 1 ranking.
The disputed final interception will remain part of the rivalry's history, but the official result is unchanged. Miami escaped with a 43-35 victory, while Florida State was left with another narrow defeat and questions about the final two plays.