No. 3 Miami just barely survived a truly wild, controversial double-overtime classic against Florida State, escaping 43-35 after a finish that’ll be debated for years. This wasn’t just a rivalry game, man, it was a full-blown theatric spectacle that came down to some seriously tight officiating in the final moments.
That Holding Call Was an Absolute Gut Punch
Miami had an eight-point lead going into the second overtime, but FSU wasn’t ready to quit. On fourth-and-21, Seminoles quarterback Ashton Daniels just launched one into the end zone, a total jump ball. And what do you know, receiver Micahi Danzy somehow came down with it in a scrum of Miami defenders! The Noles were celebrating, ready to tie it up, but then the laundry flew. Offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin got flagged for holding. A holding call! On fourth-and-21 in double-overtime! That’s a penalty you rarely ever see called in those desperate, end-of-game spots. From what everyone saw, Chaplin seemed to get outside the defender’s shoulder pads, and the Canes pass-rusher looked like he slipped and fell right after. It was such a tight call, a real game-changer that just completely negated what would’ve been an absolute miracle for the Seminoles. You gotta feel for them, right?
The Hail Mary Interception That Sealed It
So now, after that holding penalty, FSU was facing fourth-and-31. Could they possibly replicate that kind of magic, or even top it, on a second try? Seminoles fans are gonna argue they did. Daniels rolled right, chucked up a Hail Mary, and Duce Robinson went up above everyone, getting his fingertips on the ball. But here’s where it gets wild again: a Miami defender got his hands on it at the exact same time. They went to the ground in a pile, and honestly, trying to tell who had possession was impossible. The officials on the field ruled it an interception, and after a quick review, they stuck with it. Not enough evidence to overturn, they said. ESPN’s rules analyst Steve Shaw even backed them up, saying, “That was an interception. Clearly nothing to overturn it. That was the correct call.” Man, whether you agree or not, that’s how it ended.
Miami’s undefeated season is still alive, and you can bet those Hurricanes fans are breathing a massive sigh of relief after that one. For Florida State? That’s a brutal, heartbreaking loss, their third straight against Miami in this rivalry series. Ouch. They’re gonna be talking about these calls for a long, long time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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