Doak Campbell Stadium was the center of the sports media world on Saturday night as the Florida State Seminoles hosted the University of Miami Hurricanes in a nationally televised contest.
But while the atmosphere was electric for Noles fans as the game started, the Hurricanes were able to flip the switch and, after a first-quarter touchdown to take a 7-3 lead, Miami went on to win the game convincingly 28-22.
In post-game comments, Noles Quarterback Thomas Castellanos took the blame.
“This loss is on me. I apologize to the team, the community, to the alumni, to past players, to everybody," he said.
FSU entered the game ranked #18 in the country and with the top offense in the nation, and outgained the Hurricanes with 404 total yards versus 338 total yards for Miami. The Noles offense ran 24 more plays with 14 more first downs than the Canes. But two Castellanos interceptions and a lost fumble, plus several long Hurricane completions and four touchdown passes from quarterback Carson Beck created a much different story on the scoreboard.
After marching down the field on their first possession, the FSU drive stalled and the Noles settled for a field goal. The Hurricanes then scored 28 unanswered points, aided in part by the three FSU turnovers The Seminoles didn’t score again until the fourth quarter in a 19-point comeback run. But three unsuccessful onside kick attempts sealed their fate as FSU dropped to a 3-2 record for the season and 0-2 in the ACC.
“Disappointing in every way.” Head Coach Mike Norvell said, summing up the game in post-game comments.
“It’s a locker room that’s hurting. As a coach, I have to be better to assist our guys.”
Norvell and the team will have a chance at their first conference win next Saturday as FSU hosts the Pittsburgh Panthers.
