Miami dominated the third quarter to take a 28-3 lead after 45 minutes before the Seminoles got back in the game with their own dominant fourth quarter. Florida State outscored Miami 19-0 in the fourth quarter and was an onside kick recovery away from a potentially game-winning possession.
After leading 14-0 at halftime, Miami scored on its first two drives of the second half with an interception on the first Florida State drive of the third quarter in between. Miami outgained 171-35 in the third quarter to seemingly put the game away.
Florida State outscored Miami 19-0 in the fourth quarter and outgained the Hurricanes 188-17. Wesley Bissainthe recovered two Florida State onside kicks in the final 2:10 that were critical in allowing Miami to keep possession and hold on late.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck was dominant in the third quarter. Beck completed nine passes in 10 attempts for 112 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the third quarter. Miami held the ball for 11:41 and ran 21 plays to eight for Florida State in the third quarter.
Miami appeared to be one or two possessions from putting the game away. The game was not decided until Bissainthe recovered his second onside kick with 20 seconds remaining. Florida State had the ball for 08:56 in the fourth quarter and ran 35 plays to 15 for Miami.
Florida State opened the game with an 11-play, 70-yard drive that culminated with a field goal to take a 3-0 lead. Miami held Florida State to 161 yards on 38 plays over its next seven drives before Florida State got back into the game in the fourth quarter.
C.J. Daniels and Malachi Toney continued to thrive for Miami. Daniels had five receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and Toney had seven for 102 and two scores. Daniels had one reception for a loss of two yards in the fourth quarter, while Toney was shut out over the final 15 minutes.
Very, very sloppy 4th quarter by Miami. That’ll be the teaching point for this one from Mario Cristobal. Defense was gassed from chasing Castellanos around and on field entire time.
— Will Manso (@WillManso) October 5, 2025
Florida State QB Tommy Castellanos completed 10 passes in 18 attempts for 119 yards with no TDs and two interceptions through three quarters. Castellanos completed 15 passes in 27 attempts for 153 yards, two TDs and no interceptions for 153 yards two TDs and no interceptions in the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was concerning. Miami was unable to completely put Florida State away. Miami had to keep Florida State in front of them and not allow quick scores. Florida State had a 10-play 47-yard drive in 2:56, a 19-play 96-yard drive in 5:10 and seven play 60 60-yard drive in 50 seconds to cut their deficit to 29-22 with 20 seconds left.
Miami needed a drive to burn time and put the game away. Against Florida, Miami leaned on its offensive line and scored two touchowns in the final five minutes to take command. It could be argued Florida State solely ran out of time. The win was impressive, but Miami will have to dissect the fourth quarter during the bye week.