Florida State Falls to Top-Ranked Miami in Double Overtime
The Seminoles dropped to 3-4 following a contested loss against the current No. 1 ranked Hurricanes.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
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Florida State suffered a 43-35 double overtime loss to No. 1 Miami. The defeat brings the Seminoles to a 3-4 record on the season.
Why it matters
The game was defined by officiating controversies that drew criticism from head coach Mike Norvell. These included a holding penalty that erased a touchdown and a final interception call that bypassed review of simultaneous possession.
Florida State currently holds a 3-4 record following the 43-35 defeat. Mike Norvell carries a 41-38 record through his seven seasons leading the program.
The players
Mike Norvell
He is the head coach of the Florida State football team and is currently in his seventh season leading the program.
Ashton Daniels
He is a player for Florida State who attempted the touchdown pass that was negated by a holding penalty.
Micahi Danzy
He is a player for Florida State who was the target of the pass nullified by the disputed penalty.
Bryce Fitzgerald
He is the player credited with the game-ending interception against Florida State.
The details
The match ended in double overtime after a holding penalty nullified a crucial pass from Ashton Daniels to Micahi Danzy. The game concluded when Bryce Fitzgerald was credited with an interception, a ruling that Norvell challenged due to concerns over ignored simultaneous possession.
Timeline
Oct. 19, 2026: Miami defeated Florida State in double overtime.
Oct. 31, 2026: Florida State hosts Clemson.
Season Trajectory
This loss keeps Florida State below .500 and prevents the team from gaining ground against top-tier conference rivals. The outcome forces the program to regroup during their upcoming bye week before facing Clemson.
The Seminoles must navigate a 3-4 record and move past this loss during their scheduled bye week. Their next opportunity to improve their standing occurs when they return to the field on Oct. 31 against Clemson.
The takeaway
Close officiating calls can swing the outcome of high-stakes games in double overtime scenarios. Teams often rely on bye weeks to correct tactical errors and refocus for late-October matchups.
What happens next
Florida State is scheduled to host Clemson on Oct. 31.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing season performance, visit Football.
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