The potential of the first top 10 matchup between Florida State and Miami since 2013 next Saturday ended when the Seminoles lost 46-38 in double overtime on Friday night at Virginia. Virginia scored on the first possession of double overtime and stopped Florida State on its first set of downs to secure the win.
Florida State is eighth in the week five Associated Press Top 25 and USA Today Coaches polls. Miami is second in the AP Top 25 and sixth in the USA Today Coaches Poll. How far Florida State falls in the week six polls will have an impact on the national prominence the game with Miami has on October 4.
Vanderbilt at Alabama is the only other game between ranked teams in week six. Tallahassee appeared to be the likely location for ESPN College GameDay in week six and for the top announcing team of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe to be headed to for the 6:30 PM EDT kick off on ABC.
Mike Norvell and his staff have a lot to work on before hosting Miami next week. Virginia gained 440 yards with 229 passing and 211 rushing on 48 carries with four touchdowns on the ground to beat Florida State. The Seminoles had 514 total yards in the loss.
Obviously a dispiriting, disappointing loss for Florida State with Miami up next. Major concern seeing the way Virginia manhandled Florida State DL all night with the best O line in the league coming to town next.
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) September 27, 2025
Virginia ran for 221 yards and averaged 4.8 yards per carry in sack--adjusted yardage. Florida State ran 48 times for 256 yards. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos completed 18 passes in 32 attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The final interception Castellanos threw came on fourth down in double overtime.
The inconsistency by Castellanos and Virginia rushing for 130 yards in the second half was the difference. Virginia controlled the line of scrimmage on its first two drives of the second half. The Cavaliers ran 28 plays for 149 yards and held the ball for 14:11 on their first two second-half drives.
Florida State will go from playing Virginia, to facing Miami, which is widely considered to have the best defensive line nationally and one of the top five or six offensive lines. How Florida State adjusts to the Miami physicality will be pivotal in determining the outcome in week six.