The Florida State vs Miami FL rivalry delivered one of the most dramatic college football games of the 2026 season, as the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes defeated the Florida State Seminoles 43-35 in double overtime on Saturday, October 17. Miami survived a late comeback attempt, two desperate Hail Mary passes and a controversial game-ending interception to preserve its undefeated record.
The Miami vs FSU matchup featured spectacular offensive plays, crucial defensive stops and a finish that sparked debate among fans. Quarterback Darian Mensah connected with Malachi Toney for the winning touchdown in the second overtime, helping the Hurricanes escape with a memorable victory at home.
With the win, Miami improved to 6-0, while Florida State fell to 3-4. The result strengthened Miami’s position among the nation’s top college football teams and added another unforgettable chapter to the historic FSU Miami rivalry.
Florida State vs Miami FL Score and Game Result
The final Miami score was 43 points, while Florida State finished with 35 points after the double-overtime battle.
| Game detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Miami Hurricanes vs Florida State Seminoles |
| Final score | Miami 43, Florida State 35 |
| Result | Miami won in 2OT |
| Miami ranking | No. 3 |
| Miami record after game | 6-0 |
| Florida State record after game | 3-4 |
| Winning quarterback | Darian Mensah |
| Game-winning touchdown | Mensah to Malachi Toney |
The FSU score reflected a competitive contest in which the Seminoles repeatedly threatened to pull off an upset. Miami entered as a heavy favorite, but Florida State pushed the Hurricanes to the limit before the decisive play ended the game.
Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney Deliver the Winning Play
Darian Mensah played a crucial role in the Miami football victory, leading the offense through a tense finish against the Seminoles. When Miami needed a decisive play in double overtime, Mensah found Malachi Toney for the touchdown that gave the Hurricanes the lead.
Toney was Miami’s most productive receiver throughout the game. He finished with 11 receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns, adding 31 rushing yards on two carries. His ability to create plays in the passing game and contribute as a runner made him one of the biggest difference-makers in the Miami vs Florida State showdown.
The Hurricanes also used Toney’s versatility on the two-point conversion attempt. After catching the go-ahead touchdown, Toney threw a pass to Cooper Barkate for the successful conversion, extending Miami’s advantage to eight points.
That play proved particularly important because teams must attempt a two-point conversion after a touchdown in the second overtime under the applicable college football overtime format.
Mensah’s connection with Toney helped the University of Miami football team escape a game that looked increasingly dangerous as the fourth quarter progressed.
Javian Mallory Powers Miami’s Late Comeback
Freshman running back Javian Mallory provided another major contribution to the Hurricanes’ comeback. He finished with a team-high 108 rushing yards and helped Miami establish a stronger physical presence late in the contest.
Florida State led 21-14 with 9:33 remaining in regulation, putting the Hurricanes in an unfamiliar position. Miami had not trailed during the season before this point, and the Seminoles appeared capable of delivering a major upset.
Miami responded with a four-play scoring drive featuring contributions from Toney and Mallory. The Hurricanes subsequently forced a fumble and capitalized on the opportunity to take a 28-21 lead.
Mallory’s importance became even clearer in the first overtime. After Mensah threw an incomplete pass, Mallory broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run, keeping Miami alive and pushing the contest into a second overtime period.
Jordan Lyle also helped Miami establish its running game during the late stages of regulation. Together, the running backs gave the Hurricanes an effective alternative when Florida State’s defense focused on stopping the passing attack.
Duce Robinson Gives Florida State Hope
Despite the defeat, Duce Robinson delivered a standout performance for Florida State football. The wide receiver produced a spectacular 75-yard reception late in regulation, allowing the Seminoles to tie the score at 28-28 and force overtime.
Robinson’s size and ability to compete for contested passes made him a constant threat. Quarterback Ashton Daniels repeatedly looked his way when Florida State needed a big play.
The Seminoles had entered the fourth quarter with a 21-14 advantage and appeared close to completing an impressive road victory. However, Miami’s comeback forced Florida State to respond under pressure.
In the second overtime, Robinson became the center of the game’s most controversial moment. With Florida State facing fourth-and-31, Daniels launched a 46-yard Hail Mary into the end zone. Robinson went up for the football against Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald.
Officials ruled the pass an interception, and a replay review upheld the decision. The call ended Florida State’s comeback attempt and secured the 43-35 victory for the Hurricanes.
Controversial Ending: Two Hail Mary Attempts
The ending of the FSU Miami game was filled with drama.
Florida State first faced fourth-and-21 after Miami’s defense put pressure on Daniels and a penalty moved the Seminoles backward. Daniels then threw a 36-yard Hail Mary toward Micahi Danzy, who appeared to catch the ball for a touchdown.
However, an offensive holding penalty against Xavier Chaplin negated the play.
That penalty left Florida State facing fourth-and-31, creating one final opportunity to keep the game alive. Daniels again launched a deep pass into the end zone, this time targeting Robinson.
Fitzgerald, who had previously left the game with a shoulder stinger, returned to help defend the play. He challenged Robinson for possession, and officials ruled that the Miami defensive back had intercepted the ball.
The replay review upheld the call, triggering celebrations from the Hurricanes.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell said he wanted to review the film before commenting on the holding penalty. He also expressed frustration with the final interception ruling, arguing that he believed Robinson had secured the football.
The finish immediately became a major talking point among college football fans, with the final two plays defining a rivalry game that neither team could afford to lose.
Florida State Seminoles Football vs Miami Hurricanes Football Match Player Stats
The following player statistics highlight the biggest individual contributions reported from the game.
| Player | Team | Key performance |
|---|---|---|
| Malachi Toney | Miami | 11 receptions, 154 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns; 31 rushing yards |
| Javian Mallory | Miami | 108 rushing yards; 25-yard overtime touchdown |
| Darian Mensah | Miami | Threw the winning touchdown to Toney in double overtime |
| Cooper Barkate | Miami | Caught Toney’s two-point conversion pass |
| Ashton Daniels | Florida State | Led the Seminoles’ late comeback and threw the final Hail Mary attempts |
| Duce Robinson | Florida State | Caught a 75-yard pass to help force overtime; targeted on the final play |
| Micahi Danzy | Florida State | Targeted on a Hail Mary touchdown that was negated by holding |
| Bryce Fitzgerald | Miami | Made the game-ending interception ruling stand after review |
These Florida State Seminoles football vs Miami Hurricanes football match player stats show how Miami relied on several offensive contributors while its defense made the decisive play in the closing seconds.
For a complete statistical breakdown, including passing attempts, completions, total rushing figures and defensive statistics, the official game box score should be consulted.
Mario Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes Continue Their Rise
Head coach Mario Cristobal has emphasized physical football, disciplined execution and winning close games. The Miami vs FSU result demonstrated both the Hurricanes’ strengths and the areas they still need to improve.
Miami entered the game as a 21-point favorite but found itself trailing in the fourth quarter. The offense responded with timely scoring drives, while the defense produced the final stop when the Seminoles threatened to force another overtime period.
Cristobal downplayed the importance of potential changes in national rankings after the victory, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the next game rather than outside expectations.
For Miami football, remaining undefeated is a significant achievement. The Hurricanes have strengthened their position in the Atlantic Coast Conference race and increased their chances of earning a place in the College Football Playoff.
However, the narrow escape also serves as a reminder that Miami cannot afford costly mistakes against future opponents.
Mike Norvell and Florida State Face Questions After the Loss
Florida State coach Mike Norvell will have to help his team recover from a painful defeat. The Seminoles demonstrated that they could challenge one of the country’s highest-ranked teams, but missed opportunities and penalties proved costly.
The overturned Hail Mary touchdown involving Danzy changed the final moments, while the subsequent interception ruling prevented Robinson from completing a potential game-winning play.
Florida State also faced an injury concern involving running back Ousmane Kromah, who was carted off with an ankle injury during the game.
The Seminoles will have a bye next weekend before facing Clemson on October 31. That break provides an opportunity to review the Miami game, evaluate player health and address the execution problems that contributed to the loss.
Despite falling to 3-4, Florida State showed offensive explosiveness and the ability to compete against a highly ranked opponent. Turning those performances into victories will be the challenge for Norvell and his coaching staff.
Where to Watch Miami Hurricanes Football vs Florida State Seminoles Football
Fans searching for where to watch Miami Hurricanes football vs Florida State Seminoles football can check the official team websites, ESPN’s college football coverage and authorized television listings for game broadcasts and replays.
For highlights, live updates and the final Miami football score, ESPN and Yahoo Sports provide game coverage and postgame analysis.
Those looking for where to watch Florida State Seminoles football vs Miami Hurricanes football in future seasons should consult the official college football schedule closer to kickoff, as television networks and broadcast times can vary by game.
Miami Schedule: What’s Next for the Hurricanes?
Miami will return home next Saturday to face Pittsburgh. The Hurricanes will look to extend their winning streak and maintain their position among the leading teams in college football.
Following the dramatic FSU Miami game, the coaching staff will likely focus on defensive consistency, ball security and avoiding the mistakes that allowed Florida State to force overtime.
Florida State, meanwhile, has a bye week before its October 31 matchup against Clemson. The Seminoles will aim to regroup and improve their record after a difficult loss.
Fans checking the Miami schedule, FSU schedule or asking about the UM game today should verify the latest official listings for kickoff times and broadcast details.
Miami Weather and Game-Day Conditions
Weather can influence college football through passing conditions, field traction and player endurance. Fans attending future Miami Hurricanes games should check the local Miami weather forecast before traveling to the stadium.
No specific weather conditions are confirmed in the supplied game report, so it would be inaccurate to attribute the result to rain, wind or temperature.
Conclusion
The Florida State vs Miami FL rivalry produced a thrilling 43-35 double-overtime finish, with the Miami Hurricanes surviving a major upset scare to remain undefeated. Darian Mensah’s winning touchdown pass to Malachi Toney, Javian Mallory’s powerful running and Bryce Fitzgerald’s decisive interception helped Miami secure the victory.
Florida State showed resilience through Ashton Daniels and Duce Robinson, but the final Hail Mary attempts ended in heartbreak for the Seminoles. With Miami moving to 6-0 and Florida State dropping to 3-4, the result could have important implications for both programs’ seasons.
The Miami vs FSU matchup once again demonstrated why this rivalry remains one of the most compelling games in college football.
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