Friday night’s Florida State vs. University of Virginia ACC game started out sloppy but turned into an exciting prime time contest. By the second quarter, the game began to have the feel of a heavyweight fight, with each team delivering and receiving heavy offensive punches.
FSU gained 536 total yards while UVA countered with 440 total yards on their way to a 46-38 double overtime upset over the 8th ranked Noles.
Following the game coach Mike Norvell spoke about how the team didn’t get off to the start that they needed to have but, “I was pleased with the way our guys responded.” Two first quarter FSU turnovers resulted in 14 points by Virginia. However, the Cavaliers turned the ball over twice as interceptions by Edwin Joseph and Elijah Herring helped the Noles score 21 unanswered points. A third UVA touchdown brought the first half to a close with the score tied 21-21.
After an FSU “wide right” missed field goal on their first series of the second half, UVA drove the ball down the field almost exclusively on the ground to take a 28-21 lead. The Noles responded with a long scoring drive of their own and the 4th quarter began with the teams tied 28-28.
UVA then held the ball for eight minutes on a 16-play scoring drive to take a 35-28 lead. The Noles got a chance to tie the game in the final two and a half minutes and a thrilling 4th down touchdown pass from Thomas Castellanos to Randy Pittman took the game to overtime tied 35-35.
The teams traded field goals in the first overtime, but FSU couldn’t match UVA’s touchdown in overtime number two as a fourth down FSU pass was intercepted in the end zone to seal the Virginia win.
Norvell spoke about how there were, “Too many drives that were extended throughout on 3rd and 4th downs.” Ultimately, it was UVA’s ability to control the ball with long scoring drives in the second half and dominating the time of possession which led to their upset victory.
Duce Robinson led FSU receivers with 9 catches for 147 yards. And Castellanos threw for 276 yards and was the leading rusher with 85 yards.
ESPN’s Game Day festivities come to Tallahassee next Saturday and the 3-1 Noles will try to win an upset of their own when they host the 2nd ranked undefeated Miami Hurricanes.
