Virginia Stuns No. 8 Florida State in Double Overtime

Robert Simmons | AP News

On Friday night in Charlottesville, the Virginia Cavaliers pulled off one of their most memorable victories in program history, defeating No. 8 Florida State 46-38 in a thrilling double-overtime contest. Chandler Morris, Virginia’s dual-threat quarterback, was the hero of the night, scoring on a 4-yard run in the second overtime before converting a two-point pass to Trell Harris that sealed the win. The Cavaliers (4-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) captured their first home victory over a Top 10 opponent since 2005, which, coincidentally, also came against the Seminoles. The win unfolded before a raucous crowd of 50,107 at Scott Stadium, the largest home turnout since 2023. For fourth-year head coach Tony Elliott, the atmosphere was symbolic of his long-term vision for Virginia football. “That’s what Scott Stadium is supposed to be like,” Elliott said after the game. “It felt like a championship kind of game and that’s what we desire to be as a program.” Morris showcased his versatility throughout the game, running for three touchdowns and passing for two more. His composure in overtime contrasted with the Seminoles’ misfortune. Florida State’s Duce Robinson, who had been brilliant with nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown, bobbled a third-down pass in the back of the end zone. Moments later, quarterback Tommy Castellanos’ fourth-and-12 desperation throw was intercepted by Virginia defensive back Ja’Son Prevard, sparking a storm of Cavaliers fans rushing the field.

For Florida State (3-1, 0-1 ACC), the night marked a sobering setback. Just weeks earlier, the Seminoles had shocked Alabama in their season opener, but they failed to carry that momentum into conference play. Head coach Mike Norvell expressed disappointment in his team’s sluggish start. “They started fast, took advantage of some of the mistakes we had early,” Norvell admitted. “We did not get off to the start that we needed to have. I was pleased with the way our guys responded, but it wasn’t enough.” Indeed, Florida State’s resilience kept the game alive. Down late in regulation, Castellanos engineered a gutsy drive capped by an 11-yard touchdown strike to Randy Pittman Jr. on fourth down with just 32 seconds remaining. That play sent the game into overtime, where both teams exchanged field goals before the Cavaliers pulled ahead for good. Castellanos finished with 254 passing yards, one touchdown through the air, and another 78 yards and a score on the ground.

Virginia’s second-half success hinged on its running game. Despite a reshuffled offensive line missing injured center Brady Wilson, the Cavaliers rushed for 130 yards after halftime and in overtime. Running back J’Mari Taylor led the charge with 99 yards and a touchdown, while Xavier Brown added 43 yards on six carries. The physical ground attack helped Virginia control possession and wear down the Seminoles’ defense.

For the Cavaliers, the victory represents their most significant triumph since defeating Virginia Tech in the 2019 regular-season finale. The program, often overshadowed within the ACC, suddenly appears poised to contend for relevance in the conference race.

Florida State, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. The Seminoles face another critical test when they host rival Miami next Saturday night. Virginia will look to build on its momentum when it travels to Louisville. The drama in Charlottesville reinforced the unpredictable nature of college football: a determined underdog can rise to the occasion, and a favored powerhouse can falter. For Virginia, this win was not just about upsetting a Top 10 opponent—it was a reminder of what the Cavaliers aspire to be under Elliott: competitive, resilient, and fearless.