Virginia tops Florida State in double overtime as field storms follow

In Charlottesville, Virginia, the Virginia Cavaliers shocked No. 8 Florida State with a 46-38, double-overtime victory Friday night at Scott Stadium, capped by Chandler Morris’s 4-yard touchdown run in the second extra period. It was Virginia’s first home win over a top-10 opponent since 2005, a milestone the crowd celebrated with a field rush after the final play.

Florida State appeared poised to finish it in regulation, but a late miscue by Seminoles quarterback Thomas Castellanos kept the game alive and sent it to overtime. As the final seconds ticked away, Castellanos’ heave into the end zone fell incomplete, prompting an immediate surge of celebration from the Cavaliers' sideline and fans on the field. Virginia coach Tony Elliott, reflecting on the aftermath, said he hoped no one was injured and lamented not being able to shake Florida State coach Mike Norvell’s hand after the game. Norvell said he believed his players were unharmed and that everyone remained in the locker room afterward. Some witnesses reported a fan was taken off the field on a stretcher and about a dozen others received attention from stadium personnel. Virginia can expect a fine under the Atlantic Coast Conference’s new policy for field stormings, which imposes escalating penalties: $50,000 for a first offense, $100,000 for a second, and $200,000 for a third offense within a two-year rolling period.

Virginia’s win came with Morris producing the big numbers for the Cavaliers, guiding the offense through the extra periods. Morris completed 26 of 35 passes for 229 yards and threw two touchdown passes while also recording three interceptions. Running back J’Mari Taylor carried 27 times for 99 yards and a rushing score, helping Virginia control the clock late and extend the threat through the middle of the game. Teammates around Morris joined the celebration as Xavier Brown and Andre Greene Jr. contributed to the Cavaliers’ scoring drive in key moments of the second half and overtime to keep Virginia within reach.

Florida State’s Castellanos finished 18 of 32 for 254 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions, while adding a rushing TD of his own. The Seminoles, still seeking consistency on offense, matched Virginia’s composure in the early going but were stifled in the extra periods by a Cavaliers defense that tightened up when it mattered most.

The victory stands out in a season that has seen Virginia rebuild under Elliott, while Florida State continues to navigate the balance of a talented squad with the challenge of closing out tight games. The dramatic finish underscored the volatility of a contest between a hungry Virginia program and a steady, nationally recognized Florida State squad. The Associated Press contributed to this report.