Miami, Fla. – In a thrilling ACC rivalry showdown that showcased dominance, resilience, and a touch of late-game drama, the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes held off a furious fourth-quarter rally by the No. 18 Florida State Seminoles to secure a pivotal 28-22 victory on Saturday, October 4, 2025. This emphatic win at Doak Campbell Stadium not only extends Miami’s unbeaten streak to 5-0 but also solidifies their position as a premier contender in the college football landscape and marks their second consecutive triumph over their in-state rivals.
Hurricanes Establish Early Dominance
The atmosphere in Tallahassee was electric, but the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes remained unfazed, delivering a performance that was both efficient and ruthless for the majority of the contest. Quarterback Carson Beck orchestrated a masterful offensive effort, leading the Hurricanes to a commanding 28-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter. This early dominance was a testament to Miami’s ability to execute big plays through the air and their steadfast control of the game’s tempo. The Hurricanes’ offensive line largely kept Beck clean, providing ample time for him to distribute the ball to a variety of playmakers.
Beck’s Four-Touchdown Masterclass
Carson Beck, a transfer quarterback who has quickly become a cornerstone of Miami’s resurgence, was the undoubted star of the game. He delivered a career-best performance in a Hurricanes uniform, throwing for a season-high four touchdown passes. Beck completed 20 of his 27 passes for 241 yards, showcasing pinpoint accuracy and decision-making. Two of his touchdown throws found the end zone via true freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, who continued his stellar start to the season with seven catches for 107 yards and two scores, including a 44-yard flea-flicker that ignited the Miami offense. The other two touchdown passes were hauled in by C.J. Daniels, who added five receptions for 78 yards and two scores. Beck’s ability to consistently find his top targets under pressure was crucial, as he improved his career record against Florida State and Florida to a perfect 5-0. His performance has not only positioned him as a Heisman Trophy candidate but has also significantly boosted his NFL Draft stock.
Defensive Gryphons Anchor the Victory
While the offense provided the fireworks, it was the Hurricanes’ stout defense that truly laid the foundation for the win. Facing a Florida State offense that entered the game as one of the nation’s most potent, Miami’s defense clamped down for the first three quarters. They were instrumental in forcing three crucial turnovers, including two interceptions thrown by Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos, both of which directly led to Miami touchdowns.
Safety Jakobe Thomas was a defensive catalyst, recording a critical interception in the end zone that thwarted a potential Seminoles touchdown and preserved Miami’s significant lead. He also added a sack and five tackles. Freshman defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald snagged his third interception of the season, setting up a scoring drive for the Hurricanes. Defensive end Akheem Mesidor and linebacker Mo Toure were relentless in the trenches, while cornerback Keionte Scott led the team in tackles and recovered a fumble. The Hurricanes’ ability to generate pressure and limit Florida State’s explosive plays was a key factor, holding the Seminoles to a season-low 22 points and 132 rushing yards, well below their season averages.
Rivalry History and Championship Aspirations
This victory carries immense weight within the storied Florida State-Miami rivalry. It marks Miami’s second consecutive win over the Seminoles, a streak that began after a three-game skid prior to last season. The Hurricanes now hold a 37-33 advantage in the all-time series. Beyond bragging rights, this win has significant implications for both teams’ ACC and national championship hopes. The Hurricanes, now 5-0 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, are firmly in the driver’s seat for an ACC title and are widely projected as a top seed in the College Football Playoff. For the Seminoles, the loss drops them to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play, effectively ending their playoff aspirations for the season.
A Statement in the ACC and Beyond
The victory in Tallahassee is being widely regarded as a “statement win” for Miami, bolstering their claim as the best team in the Atlantic Coast Conference and potentially making a case for the No. 1 spot in national polls. It’s the third time this season Miami has defeated an Associated Press Top 25 opponent, underscoring their elite status. The Hurricanes have proven they can win in hostile environments and under pressure, a crucial trait for any team aiming for a national title.
Despite Miami building a seemingly insurmountable 28-3 lead, Florida State demonstrated its characteristic fight, scoring 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to make the scoreline more respectable. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos connected on two touchdown passes in the closing minutes, and a late field goal tightened the score to 28-22. However, Miami’s late-game execution and timely defensive stops, including recovering crucial onside kicks, ultimately sealed the hard-fought victory.
As the college football calendar turns to the second half of the season, the Miami Hurricanes appear poised for a deep postseason run. Their blend of offensive firepower led by Carson Beck and a dominant defensive unit has positioned them as a formidable force. The win over Florida State is more than just a rivalry triumph; it’s a clear signal that Miami is a legitimate national championship contender, ready to take on any challenge the rest of the season throws their way. This critical ACC Sports News continues to define the narrative for Miami’s championship aspirations.
