Two Touchdowns Wiped Away in 10 Seconds: Miami Survives Florida State 43-35 in Double Overtime — and Heads for No. 1

Miami Beat Florida State 43-35 in Double Overtime — and Two Seminoles Touchdowns Disappeared at the End

The short answer: No. 3 Miami survived rival Florida State 43-35 in double overtime at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night, October 17, 2026. Malachi Toney caught the go-ahead touchdown in the second overtime and then threw the two-point conversion, and Florida State had two apparent game-tying touchdowns wiped away on its final possession — one by a holding penalty, the next by an interception ruling that replay upheld.

On a Saturday when No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Notre Dame both lost, Miami was the top team that found a way to win. That is why this finish is everywhere this morning, and why the Hurricanes are now positioned to claim the No. 1 ranking.

What Happened in the Miami vs. Florida State Game?

Miami led 28-21 with under three minutes left in regulation, and the game still was not safe. Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels connected with Duce Robinson for a 75-yard touchdown that tied the game and sent it to overtime.

Florida State struck first in overtime, with Robinson catching a 20-yard touchdown from Daniels to put the Seminoles ahead 35-28. Miami answered immediately: freshman running back Javian Mallory broke a 25-yard touchdown run to tie it again and force a second overtime.

In the second overtime, Miami quarterback Darian Mensah found Toney on a back-shoulder catch for the go-ahead score. Toney, a former high school quarterback, then took a pitch, rolled right and threw the two-point conversion to Cooper Barkate — giving Miami a 43-35 lead and setting up the wildest final possession of the night.

The Two Plays Everyone Is Arguing About

Play one — 4th-and-21: Daniels heaved the ball to Micahi Danzy, who came down with an apparent miracle touchdown. Officials called it back for holding on offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin against Damon Wilson II, pushing Florida State back to 4th-and-31.

Play two — 4th-and-31: Daniels threw deep again, this time for Robinson in the end zone. Robinson appeared to have a chance at the catch, but Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald was ruled to have come down with the ball for an interception. Replay review upheld the call, and the game was over.

Two Florida State touchdowns, on back-to-back snaps, both gone. Seminoles fans called the sequence a disgrace online; Miami fans called it survival. Either way, the clips of both plays are the reason this game is still trending hours later.

Key Facts and Stats

• Final score: Miami 43, Florida State 35, in double overtime at Hard Rock Stadium.
• Malachi Toney: 11 catches for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus a thrown two-point conversion.
• Javian Mallory: 13 carries for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the 25-yard overtime score.
• Darian Mensah: 326 passing yards and 3 touchdowns for Miami.
• Ashton Daniels: 5 total touchdowns for Florida State — 4 passing and 1 rushing — with his only interception coming on the final play.
• Records: Miami improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the ACC; Florida State fell to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the ACC with its second straight loss.

Why Is This Blowing Up?

First, it is Miami–Florida State — a rivalry that does not need help drawing attention. Second, the finish combined almost everything that makes a clip go viral: a 75-yard tying touchdown late in regulation, traded touchdowns in overtime, a star receiver throwing a conversion, and then two apparent touchdowns erased on consecutive plays.

Third, the stakes got much bigger. With Georgia and Notre Dame both losing, and Indiana, Alabama and Texas also falling, Miami ended the night as the highest-ranked unbeaten team left. Coach Mario Cristobal brushed off the No. 1 talk, saying the only “1” that matters is going 1-0 each week.

What's Next?

The new AP poll will show whether voters move Miami to No. 1. Florida State, now 3-4, leaves with two final calls its fans will replay all week — and the pressure on head coach Mike Norvell, already building before this game, stays alive after a loss this close.

Sources

• NBC Sports — Miami poised to claim No. 1 ranking after winning double-overtime thriller
• Palm Beach Post — Miami football vs Florida State highlights
• ClutchPoints — Hurricanes survive 2OT with Florida State after controversial call
• A to Z Sports — Malachi Toney and a breakout star help save Miami
• FSU Wire — FSU loses to Miami in overtime after controversial calls

FAQ

What was the final score of Miami vs. Florida State?

Miami beat Florida State 43-35 in double overtime at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Why were Florida State's final touchdowns wiped away?

An apparent 4th-and-21 touchdown to Micahi Danzy was negated by a holding penalty on Xavier Chaplin, and on 4th-and-31 the next play was ruled an interception by Miami's Bryce Fitzgerald — a call replay upheld.

How did Malachi Toney perform against Florida State?

Toney caught 11 passes for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the second overtime, and then threw the two-point conversion to Cooper Barkate.

Will Miami be ranked No. 1 after this win?

Miami is positioned to claim No. 1: at 6-0 it is the highest-ranked unbeaten team left after No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Notre Dame both lost on Saturday, pending the new AP poll.