In a pivotal clash that underscored their status as an elite college football program, the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes secured a commanding 28-22 victory over their archrivals, the No. 18 Florida State Seminoles, on October 5, 2025. The statement win, delivered before a raucous crowd of 67,277 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, not only marked Miami’s first ACC win of the season but also bolstered their resume as a legitimate national championship contender.
Statement Victory in the Sunshine State
The Hurricanes, now a perfect 5-0 on the season and 1-0 in conference play, controlled much of the game, building a commanding 28-3 lead by late in the third quarter. This dominant stretch, punctuated by an explosive offensive performance and stout defense, allowed Miami to weather a furious fourth-quarter rally from the Seminoles, who scored 19 unanswered points in the final period. Ultimately, Florida State’s late surge proved to be too little, too late, as Miami held on for their second consecutive victory in this storied rivalry.
Beck and the Aerial Assault
At the heart of Miami’s offensive success was the stellar performance of quarterback Carson Beck. The Georgia transfer delivered his sharpest outing of the season, completing an efficient 20 of 27 passes for 241 yards and a career-high four touchdowns, with zero interceptions. Beck’s precision passing kept the Seminoles’ defense on its heels throughout the night, showcasing his leadership and veteran presence. He found his playmakers consistently, particularly true freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney and senior CJ Daniels.
Toney was a primary beneficiary of Beck’s success, hauling in seven receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns, including explosive plays of 44 and 40 yards that stretched Miami’s lead. Daniels also had a significant impact, recording five catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial 24-yard scoring strike late in the third quarter that extended Miami’s advantage. This potent aerial attack proved too much for a Florida State defense that had aimed to stifle Miami’s run game.
Defensive Grit Secures the Win
While the offense garnered much of the spotlight, Miami’s defense played a critical role in securing the victory. The Hurricanes’ defensive front wreaked havoc, registering five tackles for loss and limiting Florida State’s potent offense, which entered the game leading the nation in yards per game. The defense forced three turnovers, including two interceptions thrown by Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos, both of which Miami converted into touchdowns.
Safeties Bryce Fitzgerald and Jakobe Thomas were key figures in the turnover battle, recording interceptions, while Keionte Scott recovered a fumble. Despite a late push by the Seminoles, who managed to drive down the field and score multiple times in the fourth quarter, Miami’s defense held firm when it mattered most, preventing a complete comeback and preserving the crucial conference win.
Rivalry Reshaped: Miami’s Dominance Continues
The victory marks Miami’s second consecutive win over Florida State, adding another chapter to one of college football’s most storied rivalries. The historical context of this matchup is steeped in intense competition, recruiting battles, and games with national championship implications, often featuring top-10 matchups. While Florida State has enjoyed periods of dominance, including a six-game winning streak in the past, the current era is tilting in Miami’s favor. The Hurricanes’ consistent performance against ranked opponents this season, including this latest triumph over the Seminoles, underscores their current standing as a top-tier program.
Playoff Picture and ACC Landscape
For the Miami Hurricanes, this win is more than just a rivalry triumph; it’s a significant step forward in their pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth and an ACC championship. The victory propelled Miami to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll, marking their highest ranking in some time and placing them behind only undefeated Ohio State. This marks the first time since 2009 that Miami has defeated three ranked opponents in a single season, showcasing their championship-caliber resume.
Conversely, the loss dealt a significant blow to Florida State’s aspirations. The Seminoles, now 3-2 overall and 0-2 in ACC play, face an uphill battle to remain relevant in the conference title race and must re-evaluate their consistency, particularly in closing out games.
Looking Ahead
As the college football season progresses, the Miami Hurricanes have positioned themselves as a formidable force. With a perfect record and a statement win over a rival like Florida State, the Hurricanes are not just contenders in the ACC but are making a strong case for the No. 1 spot in national rankings. Their ability to win on the road, execute under pressure, and rely on both veteran leadership and emerging young playmakers suggests a deep and balanced team ready to compete for the highest honors in college sports news. The next challenge for Miami will be maintaining this high level of play as they navigate the remainder of their schedule, building on the momentum of this significant victory.
