CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – In a heart-stopping double overtime battle that showcased the unpredictable nature of college football, the Virginia Cavaliers (4-1, 2-0 ACC) delivered a stunning 46-38 upset victory over Florida State (3-1, 0-1 ACC) at Scott Stadium on Thursday night, handing the Seminoles their first loss of the season in dramatic fashion.
Game Summary
The contest lived up to every expectation of an ACC thriller, featuring six lead changes, 954 combined yards of offense, and enough momentum swings to leave 50,107 fans breathless. What began as a Virginia statement drive ended as a testament to both teams’ resilience, with the Cavaliers ultimately prevailing in the second overtime period.
Florida State’s high-powered offense, which had been clicking on all cylinders through three games, found itself in an early 14-0 hole before mounting a furious comeback that saw them score 21 unanswered points in the second quarter. The Seminoles’ ability to capitalize on turnovers – converting three Virginia interceptions into 14 points – kept them in contention throughout the evening.
Key Performances
Florida State: Quarterback Tommy Castellanos delivered a gutsy performance, completing 18 of 32 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown while adding 78 rushing yards and another score on the ground. Wide receiver Duce Robinson was his favorite target, hauling in nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown. Running back Gavin Sawchuk provided balance with 74 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
Virginia: Quarterback Chandler Morris orchestrated the upset with 229 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, while adding 37 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground. Running back J’Mari Taylor powered the ground game with 99 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, while Xavier Brown contributed 60 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown.
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Turning Points
The game’s complexion shifted dramatically in the second quarter when Florida State turned three consecutive Virginia turnovers into 21 points in a span of just over four minutes. Edwin Joseph’s interception at the Virginia 43-yard line set up Randy Pittman Jr.’s two-yard rushing touchdown, while Elijah Herring’s pick at the UVA 45 led to Castellanos’ four-yard scoring run.
Regulation ended in dramatic fashion when Castellanos found Pittman Jr. for an 11-yard touchdown pass on 4th-and-11 with just 36 seconds remaining, capping an eight-play, 67-yard drive that was highlighted by a spectacular 34-yard completion to Lawayne McCoy.
Overtime Drama
Both teams traded field goals in the first overtime – Jake Weinberg connecting from 36 yards for FSU and Will Bettridge answering from 39 yards for Virginia. The second overtime belonged to the Cavaliers, as Morris punched in a four-yard touchdown run on 4th-and-goal before Trell Harris successfully converted the two-point attempt.
Florida State’s final possession ended in heartbreak when Castellanos’ pass intended for Robinson was intercepted by Ja’son Prevard in the end zone on 4th-and-12, sealing Virginia’s upset victory.
Statistical Breakdown
Florida State outgained Virginia 514-440 in total offense, with both teams moving the ball effectively throughout the contest. The Seminoles averaged 6.3 yards per play compared to Virginia’s 5.2, but crucial turnovers and red zone efficiency proved decisive.
Defensively, FSU was led by Earl Little Jr.’s game-high 13 tackles, while Ja’Bril Rawls contributed 11 tackles and an interception. Virginia’s defense was paced by Devin Neal’s 12 tackles and Kam Robinson’s 10 stops.
Looking Ahead
The loss drops Florida State to 0-1 in ACC play and sets up a crucial bounce-back opportunity when they return home to face Miami on Saturday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. on ABC. For Virginia, the victory represents their first signature win of the season and positions them well in the early ACC standings at 2-0 in conference play.
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