Miami Hurricanes Outlast Florida State 43-35 in Double Overtime ACC Classic

Darian Mensah, Malachi Toney Lead Miami to Dramatic Victory

The No. 3 Miami Hurricanes survived a thrilling back and forth battle against their archrival, defeating Florida State 43-35 in double overtime Saturday night to remain undefeated and strengthen their position in the Atlantic Coast Conference race.

Quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns, including the decisive 3 yard scoring pass to Malachi Toney in the second overtime. Toney finished with 11 receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns, delivering a standout performance in one of the Hurricanes’ most dramatic victories of the season.

Miami improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in ACC play, while Florida State fell to 3-4 and 1-3 in the conference. The Hurricanes have now won seven of their last 10 meetings against the Seminoles. The rivalry matchup featured explosive offensive plays, late game heroics and a dramatic finish that ultimately came down to a defensive stop by Miami.

Miami Malachi Toney Delivers in Overtime

After Miami scored in the second overtime, Toney added another highlight to his impressive night by throwing a two point conversion pass to Cooper Barkate, extending the Hurricanes’ advantage to eight points at 43-35. Florida State had one final opportunity to extend the game, but Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald ended the contest with an interception on the Seminoles’ final play.

The decisive moment came after Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels connected on a fourth and 21, 36 yard heave that initially appeared to give the Seminoles a chance to make it 43-41. However, a holding penalty wiped out the play and pushed Florida State into a desperate final attempt.

Daniels’ next pass sailed into a crowded end zone, where Fitzgerald was initially credited with an interception. After a review, officials confirmed that Fitzgerald had secured possession, sealing the Hurricanes’ victory and sending Miami’s players onto the field in celebration.

Miami’s Ground Game Provides a Major Boost

While Mensah and Toney powered the passing attack, Miami also found success on the ground. Javian Mallory rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial score in the first overtime that helped keep the Hurricanes in front.

Mark Fletcher Jr. added another rushing touchdown as Miami continued to find ways to move the ball against a Florida State defense that struggled to contain the Hurricanes’ balanced offensive attack.

Mensah completed 23 of 34 passes, consistently connecting with Toney and the rest of Miami’s receiving corps to keep the offense moving in a game that demanded production from every unit. The Hurricanes’ ability to answer Florida State’s biggest plays proved critical as the rivalry contest extended beyond regulation.

Robinson’s Late Heroics Force Overtime

Florida State refused to go away, with Daniels throwing for 298 yards and four touchdowns to keep the Seminoles within striking distance throughout the night. Wide receiver Duce Robinson played a major role in the comeback attempt, catching two touchdowns late in the game.

His biggest moment in regulation came when he hauled in a 75-yard touchdown pass that tied the score with 2:49 remaining, sending the game toward overtime and stunning the Miami crowd. Robinson struck again in the first overtime, catching a 20-yard touchdown pass to open the extra period and put pressure on the Hurricanes to respond.

Mallory answered with a rushing touchdown for Miami, keeping the teams level and setting the stage for a decisive second overtime. Florida State’s offensive resilience made the game a memorable rivalry showdown, but the Seminoles ultimately could not complete the comeback.

The Seminoles also suffered a significant setback when leading rusher Ousmane Kromah left the game late in the first half with a left leg injury. His absence forced Florida State to adjust its ground attack as the contest intensified.

Hurricanes Remain Undefeated as ACC Race Continues

The victory keeps Miami unbeaten at 6-0 and 4-0 in ACC play, preserving its momentum as the Hurricanes continue their pursuit of a conference championship and a place among the nation’s top teams.

Miami demonstrated its offensive firepower and ability to withstand adversity, responding to Florida State’s late touchdown and surviving two overtime periods before Fitzgerald delivered the decisive defensive play.

For Florida State, the loss was another frustrating result in a season that has featured difficult conference challenges. Despite Daniels’ four touchdown passes and Robinson’s late-game heroics, the Seminoles fell short of completing an upset against their highly ranked rival.

Who Does Miami and Florida State Play Next

Miami will return home to face Pitt on Oct. 24 as the Hurricanes look to extend their undefeated start and maintain their position near the top of the ACC standings. Florida State will have additional time to regroup before hosting Clemson on Oct. 31, with the Seminoles looking to rebound from a heartbreaking defeat in one of college football’s most storied rivalries.