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Miami Holds Off Late FSU Rally in Ranked fsu-miami-game Showdown Tallahassee, Florida – The University of Miami Hurricanes solidified their status as a major contender in American college football, defeating the rival Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles 28-22 on Saturday night in a high-stakes Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) match-up in Tallahassee. In a contest that was defined by a dominant three-quarter performance by the visiting Hurricanes, Miami’s victory came despite a spirited, last-gasp rally from the Seminoles in the final minutes. The result marks a crucial turning point for both programmes. For the No. 3 ranked Hurricanes (5-0 overall, 1-0 ACC), the win over the No. 18 Seminoles (3-2, 0-2 ACC) strengthens their argument for a potential College Football Playoff bid and gives them a significant advantage in the ACC title race. For Florida State, the loss—their second consecutive—effectively ends their top-tier championship aspirations for the season and will likely see them fall out of the national top 25 rankings. Hurricanes Capitalise on Early Errors Miami established control of the game early, primarily through efficient passing led by senior quarterback Carson Beck, who completed 20 of 27 passes for 241 yards and four touchdowns. The Hurricanes' ability to convert Florida State’s early mistakes into points was decisive. FSU’s offence struggled with turnovers in the first half, including two crucial interceptions thrown by quarterback Tommy Castellanos, both of which led directly to Miami touchdowns.
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The defensive front for Miami proved highly disruptive, containing an FSU rushing attack that had been among the nation's best entering the game, holding the Seminoles to just 132 rushing yards on 38 carries. By the start of the final quarter, Miami had built a seemingly unassailable 28-3 lead, a testament to what analysts described as a superior performance on both sides of the line of scrimmage in the early stages. “He was on fire,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of his quarterback following the result. “He made a lot of really, really good plays. His leadership, the way he pours into preparation, into his teammates. Everything about him, it screams winner. We're glad he's on our side. ” A key factor in Miami’s scoring was the connection between Beck and true freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, who amassed 107 receiving yards and caught two of Beck’s four touchdown passes, showcasing the Hurricanes' developing vertical threat. Late FSU Surge Tests Miami Defence Despite the large deficit, Florida State refused to surrender in front of the capacity crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium. FSU’s offense found rhythm in the fourth quarter, mounting two successful touchdown drives and converting two-point attempts, coupled with a 35-yard field goal, reducing the gap to a six-point margin, 28-22, with just 20 seconds remaining.
The dramatic shift in momentum hinged on FSU’s attempts to recover two onside kicks in the final minutes, neither of which were successful. While the late scoring brought a degree of respectability to the final scoreline, it masked Miami’s sustained dominance throughout the middle two quarters. Speaking on the performance, Florida State coach Mike Norvell acknowledged the team’s effort but lamented the costly errors. “To come up short in this one is utterly disappointing in every way,” Norvell stated. “Our guys battled. We just had too many mistakes. ” Rivalry Stakes and Conference Implications The contest marked the first time the FSU-Miami game featured both programmes ranked in the AP Top 25 since 2016, breathing new life into a rivalry known for its historic national significance and often-dramatic endings, including the famous "Wide Right" series of missed FSU field goals in the 1990s and early 2000s. Beyond the rivalry bragging rights, the victory carried immense conference weight. By beating FSU, Miami completed a clean sweep against its major in-state rivals—Florida State, Florida, and South Florida—a feat that Cristobal proudly referred to as claiming the "state championship. " "This whole year we've played really good, complementary football," Beck noted, reflecting on the team's ability to respond to situational challenges.
The Hurricanes have now defeated three ranked opponents this season, bolstering their resume ahead of the new expanded College Football Playoff structure. The defeat leaves Florida State in a precarious position. After an early-season victory against Alabama raised expectations, the Seminoles’ back-to-back conference losses place them at 0-2 in ACC play, making a path to the conference title game—a crucial step for national consideration—significantly more challenging. Outlook and Next Steps The immediate outcome of the fsu-miami-game is a strengthened position for Miami in the national landscape. Analysts anticipate the Hurricanes will maintain or ascend in the AP Top 25, setting up a potential top-five clash with their next opponent. Conversely, Florida State faces a difficult task in resetting their season, needing to address persistent issues with turnovers and rushing efficiency as they enter the middle portion of their ACC schedule. The focus for Coach Norvell will now shift to consolidating the team’s performance to ensure bowl eligibility and regain momentum. The result serves as a significant marker in the power dynamic of the ACC, firmly placing the Hurricanes at the forefront of the league's championship aspirations. For a deeper dive into the implications of the Miami victory, you can watch this analysis on Should Miami Be Ranked #1 After DOMINATING FSU?.
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