FSU football grades: Seminoles let upset bid slip away in double-OT at Miami

Florida State had every opportunity to snap its road losing streak and pull off a season-defining upset Saturday night.

Instead, the Seminoles watched a valiant effort end in heartbreak, falling 43-35 to rival Miami in double overtime despite multiple chances to seize control of the game.

The loss drops FSU to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC play, adding further pressure to a season that continues to raise questions about coach Mike Norvell’s future. Here’s how the Seminoles graded out after their latest setback.

Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah (10), wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) and teammates take the field before a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah (10) warms up before a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) warms up before a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) runs during the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Daniels turned in one of his most efficient performances of the season, completing 15 of 26 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns.

The senior showed poise throughout the night and delivered several key deep throws, particularly in the second half, helping keep Florida State within striking distance against one of the conference’s top teams. He also battled through constant pressure as Miami limited his ability to impact the game with his legs.

The performance wasn’t flawless. There were still moments when Daniels appeared hesitant to trust what he saw downfield, and his final desperation pass intended for Duce Robinson was intercepted, ending any hopes of a miracle finish. Still, Daniels demonstrated toughness and leadership while giving the Seminoles a chance to win until the final play.

More: Ousmane Kroham injury: FSU football RB carted off field vs Miami

Offense: C-

Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Duce Robinson (0) runs during the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

FSU offense faced a significant challenge when running back Ousmane Kromah exited late in the second quarter.

Tre Wisner stepped up admirably, scoring on a screen pass that gave FSU its first lead of the night at 21-14 in the third quarter. Wisner finished with four catches for 56 yards and added 34 rushing yards on seven carries. However, his fourth-quarter fumble in a tie game proved costly.

The Seminoles were slow to involve some of their biggest playmakers. Robinson didn’t emerge as a major factor until late in regulation but still finished with 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including several clutch catches. Desirro Riles added his first touchdown of the season, while Jayvann Boggs and Jasen Lopez also contributed.

Despite the production, FSU lacked consistency for long stretches and struggled to fully capitalize on favorable opportunities against Miami’s defense.

More: FSU football’s miracle moments wiped away in overtime loss to Miami

Defense: C-

Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive line Rylan Kennedy (15) and defensive line Mandrell Desir (3) celebrate after a sack during the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The final score may not reflect it, but FSU’s defense did enough at times to keep the Seminoles in contention deep into the game.

Facing Miami’s explosive offense, the Seminoles generated pressure with their front four and forced quarterback Darian Mensah into his first interception of the game during the third quarter. The defense also recorded a sack and repeatedly disrupted the Hurricanes‘ rhythm.

Chris Jones delivered one of the game’s biggest moments, stopping Miami on a fourth-and-short attempt for the third consecutive week in a critical short-yardage situation.

Still, FSU had no answer for Miami’s top playmakers. Malachi Toney finished with 10 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown, while Javian Mallory rushed for 108 yards and two scores. The inability to slow either player ultimately proved too much to overcome.

More: FSU football’s miracle moments wiped away in overtime loss to Miami

Special Teams: B

Given the wet conditions and slick football, punter Daniels Hughes provided a steady performance.

Hughes placed two punts inside the 20-yard line and helped limit opportunities for Miami’s dangerous return game. It wasn’t a flashy night for the special teams unit, but it was a dependable one.

Coaching: B-

Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell during the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

FSU’s effort and preparation kept the Seminoles competitive for all four quarters and two overtime periods. The players continued to fight until the final whistle, reflecting positively on Norvell and his staff.

However, the game once again spotlighted several critical fourth-down decisions. FSU failed on two goal-line attempts, leaving points on the field in a game ultimately decided by one possession. Similar questions emerged after the Louisville loss, and those missed opportunities loomed large as the Seminoles pursued a marquee victory.

Aside from those decisions, the coaching staff devised a strong game plan that put FSU in position to win. Unfortunately, a handful of costly choices and missed opportunities overshadowed much of the night’s positive work.

Overall Grade: C

FSU’s performance was good enough to threaten one of the ACC’s top teams on the road, but not good enough to finish the job.

The Seminoles showed resilience, received one of Daniels’ best performances of the season and battled a rival into double overtime. Yet untimely turnovers, missed opportunities in key situations and defensive breakdowns against Miami’s stars prevented Florida State from securing what would have been its biggest win of the year.

In the end, the effort was encouraging. The result, however, was another painful loss in a season running out of opportunities for moral victories.

Florida State 2026 schedule

Sep 26, 2026; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) runs during the first quarter against the Central Arkansas Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

(Melina Myers, IMAGN IMAGES)

Sep 26, 2026; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Duce Robinson (0) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Central Arkansas Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

(Melina Myers, IMAGN IMAGES)

Sep 26, 2026; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Micahi Danzy (8) returns a kickoff during the first quarter against Central Arkansas Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

(Melina Myers, IMAGN IMAGES)

Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas, W 34-7
Oct. 17: at Miami, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Nov. 27: vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday)

More: FSU football vs Miami recap: Seminoles fall in 2OT heartbreaker

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you’d like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football grades: Seminoles let upset bid slip away in double-OT at Miami

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