Miami Tops Florida State in Double Overtime Battle

Hurricanes survive double overtime rivalry game

Third ranked Miami improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play after winning a 43-35 double overtime game against archrival Florida State on Saturday night in Miami Gardens, Florida. Quarterback Darian Mensah led the Miami offense, finishing with 326 passing yards and three touchdowns while completing 23 of his 34 pass attempts.

With the victory, Miami has now won seven of its last ten games against Florida State. The Seminoles fell to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC action following the loss.

Late drama and key offensive stats

Receiver Malachi Toney was Mensah's primary target throughout the game. Toney caught 11 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. His last touchdown was a 3 yard catch in the second overtime period. Toney then threw a two point conversion pass to Cooper Barkate to extend the lead for Miami.

Javian Mallory added 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, including a score in the first overtime. Mark Fletcher Jr. also contributed a rushing touchdown for the Hurricanes.

Florida State stayed in the game behind quarterback Ashton Daniels, who finished with 298 passing yards and four touchdowns. Duce Robinson made two late touchdown catches for the Seminoles. He pulled in a 75 yard touchdown pass with 2:49 left in regulation to tie the game at 35, and then added a 20 yard touchdown catch to open the first overtime. Florida State suffered a key loss when top rusher Ousmane Kromah left late in the first half with a left leg injury.

Final play seals the victory

Florida State almost extended the game in the second overtime. Daniels connected on a 36 yard pass on fourth and 21 that would have set up a potential tying attempt at 43-41. However, the play was negated by a holding penalty.

On the following play, Daniels launched a pass into a group of players in the end zone. Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted the pass for the Hurricanes. The play went to review, and officials confirmed that Fitzgerald came down with the ball, allowing Miami to secure the win and storm the field.

What it means for the next game

Pittsburgh Panthers at Miami Hurricanes (College Football, Sat, 24 Oct): Miami Hurricanes win 93%, Pittsburgh Panthers win 7%; projected score Miami Hurricanes 39, Pittsburgh Panthers 15. Our safest pick: Pitt +34.5.