Miami Hurricanes defeat Florida State 43-35 in double overtime

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah led No. 3 Miami to a 43‑35 double‑overtime victory over the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday night, preserving the Hurricanes’ unbeaten record.

The win matters in a rivalry where the lead swapped repeatedly; it also secures Miami’s high national ranking and prevents an upset that could have altered the ACC landscape. Both teams exchanged scores five times, with each side answering the other’s overtime tally.

Mensah completed 23 of 34 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, including a decisive three‑yard strike to wide‑out Malachi Toney in the second overtime period. Toney finished with 11 catches for 154 yards, two touchdowns and a successful two‑point conversion pass to Cooper Barkate, extending Miami’s lead.

On the ground, junior running back Javian Mallory rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns, one of which came in the first overtime. Mark Fletcher Jr. added another rushing score, reinforcing Miami’s balanced attack.

Florida State’s offense, paced by quarterback Ashton Daniels, generated 298 passing yards and four touchdowns. Duce Robinson provided a spark with two touchdown receptions, including a 75‑yard catch that tied the game with under three minutes left in regulation and a 20‑yard score to open the first overtime period. The Seminoles lost top rusher Ousmane Kromah to a leg injury late in the first half, limiting their ground game.

Defensively, Miami’s Bryce Fitzgerald delivered the decisive play, intercepting a pass on the final drive to secure the win. The turnover came after a series of lead changes that saw Miami hold a 28‑21 advantage late in the fourth quarter, only for Florida State to answer with a quick touchdown.

Looking ahead, Miami remains poised for its next meeting with Pitt, while Florida State seeks to rebound when it hosts Clemson on Oct. 31. Coach Mike Norvell’s job security continues to be a topic of discussion after another loss in the storied rivalry.