Full Breakdown
Miami Defeats Florida State 43-35 in Double Overtime Amid Controversial Finish
By Drooid · · How we work
Game Overview
On October 17, 2026, the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes hosted the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. After a back-and-forth contest that saw each team take the lead multiple times, Miami secured a 43-35 victory in double overtime. The decisive moments came when quarterback Darian Mensah connected with Malachi Toney for a three-yard touchdown in the second overtime, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Toney to Cooper Barkate. On the ensuing Seminoles possession, defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted quarterback Ashton Daniels in the end zone, sealing the win.
Background & Context
The Miami–Florida State rivalry, spanning 71 years, is traditionally decided in regulation. This was only the second meeting in series history that required overtime. Entering the game, Miami was unbeaten at 6-0 (4-0 ACC) and ranked No. 3, while Florida State was 3-4 (1-3 ACC) and had struggled on the road, extending a 12-game away-loss streak.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Miami 43, Florida State 35
- Total yards: Miami 583, Florida State 498
- Passing yards: Mensah 326 (3 TDs), Daniels 298 (4 TDs)
- Receiving yards: Toney 154 (11 catches, 2 TDs), Robinson 75 (FSU)
- Rushing yards: Mallory 108 (2 TDs), Fletcher Jr. 7 (TD)
- Turnovers: Miami 1 interception; Florida State 1 interception (final play) and 1 fumble
Official Statements & Responses
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal praised his team’s resilience, noting that the rivalry “means a lot to everybody” and that the win demonstrated confidence despite earlier mistakes. He downplayed the impact on national rankings, emphasizing focus on the upcoming conference schedule.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly the holding penalty that nullified a potential game-tying touchdown and the subsequent interception call. He said the crew’s decisions “hurt” and that he received little explanation for the final review.
ESPN rules analyst Steve Shaw defended the officials’ judgment on the interception, stating it was “clearly nothing to overturn.”
Criticism & Opposition
Norvell’s criticism centered on two key calls. First, a holding penalty on offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin erased a 36-yard fourth-down Hail Mary that would have given Florida State a chance to win. Norvell argued the call was “phantom” and that the crew’s consistency—having officiated a similar game-ending situation the previous season—was problematic.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Florida State maintains that the final play should have been ruled a touchdown, citing the simultaneous possession of the ball by Robinson and Fitzgerald. Miami and the officiating crew upheld the interception after review. ESPN’s Steve Shaw affirmed the call, while Norvell questioned the lack of a clear explanation. No definitive consensus has emerged, leaving the disputed outcome as a point of contention between the programs.
What’s Next
Miami’s next scheduled game is against Pitt, while Florida State enters a bye week before hosting Clemson later in the month. Both programs will look to address the disciplinary issues highlighted by the game—penalties for Miami and offensive execution for Florida State—as the ACC season progresses.