MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami entered Saturday night’s rivalry matchup against Florida State undefeated at 5-0, looking to keep its perfect season alive. The Hurricanes faced one of their toughest challenges of the season, needing two overtimes to secure a 43-35 victory at Hard Rock Stadium.

After entering halftime tied at 14, Florida State struck first in the second half when quarterback Ashton Daniels connected with Quintrevion Wisner for a 28-yard touchdown with 4:09 remaining in the third quarter, giving the Seminoles a 21-14 lead.

Miami answered in the fourth quarter behind running back Javian Mallory, who scored on a three-yard touchdown run with 9:33 remaining. The four-play, 72-yard drive tied the game at 21.

Florida State’s ensuing possession ended with a costly turnover when Wisner broke loose for a 24-yard gain before Miami’s Ethan O’Connor forced a fumble. Xavier Lucas recovered the football at the Hurricanes’ 39-yard line with 8:57 remaining.

Miami eventually moved ahead when quarterback Darian Mensah connected with Elijah Lofton for a three-yard touchdown with 2:49 remaining, giving the Hurricanes a 28-21 advantage.

Florida State responded immediately as Daniels found wide receiver Duce Robinson for a 75-yard touchdown on the Seminoles’ next offensive play. The 10-second scoring drive tied the game at 28 with 2:39 remaining.

Neither team managed to score again in regulation, sending the rivalry matchup into overtime.

Double Overtime Decides the Rivalry

Florida State opened overtime with Daniels connecting with Robinson for a 20-yard touchdown, putting the Seminoles ahead 35-28.

Miami responded on its second offensive play when Mallory broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run, his second score of the night, forcing a second overtime tied at 35.

The Hurricanes struck first in double overtime as Mensah connected with Malachi Toney for a three-yard touchdown. Toney then completed a pass to Cameron Barkate for the mandatory two-point conversion, extending Miami’s lead to 43-35.

Florida State had one final opportunity, but Miami’s defense delivered the deciding play.

Facing third-and-21, Daniels attempted a pass intended for Robinson, but Hurricanes defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted the football. The play went to replay review before officials upheld the interception, ending the game and securing Miami’s victory.

Miami Offensive Leaders

• Darian Mensah (QB): 23-of-34 passing, 326 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
• Malachi Toney (WR): 11 receptions, 154 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns and a successful two-point conversion pass.
• Javian Mallory (RB): 13 carries, 108 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Mark Fletcher Jr. (RB): 16 carries, 66 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.
• Daylyn Upshaw (WR): 4 receptions, 91 yards.
• Elijah Lofton (TE): 3 receptions, 26 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Cameron Barkate (WR): 2 receptions, 28 yards and a successful two-point conversion reception.

Miami Defensive Standouts

• Mohamed Toure (LB): 12 total tackles, 7 solo tackles.
• Jaden Scott (DB): 8 total tackles, 2 solo tackles.
• Justin Dunnigan (DL): 7 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss.
• Chase Smith (LB): 6 total tackles, 2 solo tackles.
• Xavier Lucas (DB): 4 total tackles, 3 solo tackles and 1 fumble recovery.
• Armondo Blount (DL): 3 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 quarterback hurries.
• Owen Thornton (DL): 3 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss.
• Bryce Fitzgerald (DB): 1 game-ending interception.
• Ethan O’Connor (DB): 1 forced fumble.

Hurricanes Remain Undefeated

Miami finished with 583 total yards, including 326 passing yards and 257 rushing yards, compared to Florida State’s 443 total yards. The Hurricanes also recorded 26 first downs and converted eight of 15 third-down opportunities.

Mallory provided a spark in the running game with 108 yards and two touchdowns, while Toney led the receiving corps with 154 yards and two scores.

The victory moves Miami to 6-0 on the season, keeping its undefeated record intact.

Miami (6-0) will return to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, October 24, to face the Pittsburgh Panthers in another ACC matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET, as the Hurricanes look to remain undefeated and continue their push toward the ACC Championship.