Miami’s Malachi Toney threw a touchdown pass and caught the game-winning touchdown in double overtime to lift the No. 3 Hurricanes past Florida State in a 36-28 thriller on Saturday night.
With the score tied after the first overtime period, Miami quarterback Darian Mensah found Toney in the end zone to put the Hurricanes ahead in the second overtime. Then, Toney turned quarterback himself, tossing a pass to a wide-open Cooper Barkate for the two-point conversion that sealed the victory.
The game was chaotic in its final moments. Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels faced a fourth-and-21 late in the second overtime and launched a deep pass to Duce Robinson, who appeared to make the catch for a touchdown. The play was called back for holding. On the very next fourth-and-21, Daniels threw another jump ball to Robinson, who seemed to catch it again, but the officials ruled it an interception on the field, a decision confirmed after review.
Toney was the standout for Miami, finishing with 154 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions. His contributions extended beyond catching, as he completed the crucial two-point conversion pass late in the second overtime period, his only attempt throwing in the game.
The Hurricanes trailed 21-14 with 9:33 remaining in regulation before mounting a comeback. Miami scored a touchdown to tie the game, forced a fumble on defense, and then converted that turnover into another touchdown to take a 28-21 lead. Florida State responded with a touchdown of their own, and the game remained tied at the end of regulation, forcing overtime.
In the first overtime, Miami received the ball second and ran only two plays. Mensah’s incomplete pass was followed by a 25-yard touchdown rush from Javian Mallory, tying the game once more.
Miami’s defense held Florida State to a touchdown but was unable to score before regulation ended, pushing the contest into the extra periods. The Hurricanes' offense then executed a trick play in the second overtime that ultimately decided the game.
The victory improves Miami’s standing as the No. 3 team nationally, while Florida State’s late heroics fell just short. The game’s final moments were intense and marked by controversial calls that upheld Miami’s win. The Hurricanes’ next game and Florida State’s upcoming schedule have not yet been announced.
According to Yahoo Sports.