Malachi Toney Delivers Late Heroics as Hurricanes Escape With 43-35 Rivalry Victory
The Miami Hurricanes survived one of their toughest tests of the season Saturday night, defeating Florida State 43-35 in double overtime at Hard Rock Stadium. No. 3 Miami remained undefeated at 6-0 after a dramatic rivalry matchup that featured multiple lead changes, late touchdowns and a game-sealing interception.
Quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney delivered when the Hurricanes needed them most, helping Miami escape an upset bid from the Seminoles and improve to 4-0 in ACC play.
Miami and Florida State Trade Blows
Miami opened the scoring with a touchdown run from Mark Fletcher Jr., but Florida State responded with a touchdown pass from quarterback Ashton Daniels to tight end Desirrio Riles.
The teams continued exchanging scores throughout the first half. Mensah connected with Toney for a touchdown, while Daniels used his legs to find the end zone and tie the game at 14-14 before halftime.
Florida State gained momentum after the break. Defensive back Ashlynd Barker intercepted Mensah in the end zone, handing the Miami quarterback his first interception of the season. The Seminoles followed with another defensive stop before Daniels threw a 28 yard touchdown pass to running back Quintrevion Wisner, giving Florida State a 21-14 lead.
Miami answered in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns to move ahead 28-21. However, Daniels connected with Duce Robinson for a stunning 75-yard touchdown to tie the game and send the rivalry showdown into overtime.
Toney and Mensah Deliver in Overtime
Florida State struck first in overtime when Daniels found Robinson for a 20-yard touchdown, putting the Seminoles ahead 35-28. Miami refused to fold, as running back Javian Mallory broke free for a 25-yard touchdown to force a second overtime.
Mallory finished with 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, providing a major spark for the Hurricanes’ offense.
In the second overtime, Mensah connected with Toney on a three-yard touchdown pass to give Miami the lead. Toney then threw a successful two-point conversion pass to Cooper Barkate, extending the advantage to 43-35.
Toney finished with 11 catches for 154 yards and two receiving touchdowns, while Mensah completed 23 of 34 passes for 326 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Hurricanes Escape With Victory
Florida State had one final opportunity to respond, but Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted Daniels’ final pass to seal the victory.
Daniels finished with 298 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Robinson recorded 113 receiving yards and two scores.
The win keeps Miami undefeated and strengthens its position in the ACC race. Florida State falls to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in conference play after coming close to pulling off a major upset.
Miami now turns its attention to the remainder of its schedule, knowing it will need to improve defensively after allowing 35 points. Still, the Hurricanes showed resilience in a rivalry game that tested them until the final play.
