Miami escaped Florida State with a controversial double-overtime victory, but questionable officiating has fans accusing the ACC of protecting its top team.
Did Florida State just get absolutely ROBBED against Miami?
The Hurricanes escaped Saturday night’s rivalry matchup with a 43-35 double-overtime victory, keeping their undefeated season alive. However, the biggest storyline wasn’t Miami’s performance.
It was the absolutely ridiculous officiating that left Florida State fans furious.
Trailing by eight in the second overtime, Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels launched a miraculous pass on fourth-and-21 that Micahi Danzy caught in the end zone for an apparent touchdown.
But just as the Seminoles began celebrating, officials called offensive holding on Xavier Chaplin, wiping away the score.
And after watching the replay, plenty of fans were left wondering where the supposed holding actually occurred.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell didn’t hold back, calling the penalty an “absolute joke” and questioning the officials’ decision.
But somehow, things got even more controversial.
On the following play, Daniels threw another desperation pass toward Duce Robinson in the end zone. Robinson and Miami defender Bryce Fitzgerald appeared to battle for possession before officials awarded the interception to Miami.
The play went to review, but the ruling stood, ending Florida State’s upset hopes.
Two controversial calls. Two potential touchdowns wiped away. And Miami walks away undefeated.
Naturally, college football fans immediately began questioning whether the ACC had an interest in protecting its biggest College Football Playoff contender.
Miami entered the game ranked No. 3 nationally, and a loss to a struggling Florida State team could have seriously damaged the conference’s championship hopes.
Does that mean the game was actually rigged? Absolutely not. There is no verified evidence that officials intentionally favored Miami, and ESPN rules analyst Steve Shaw agreed with the interception ruling.
But that doesn’t mean fans shouldn’t question the officiating, especially when questionable decisions have such enormous consequences.
Florida State deserved an opportunity to decide the game on the field, and instead, its season-defining upset opportunity ended in controversy.
Miami is now the No. 1 team in America, but its victory over Florida State will be remembered for much more than the final score.
The Hurricanes might have won the game, but the ACC officials are the ones everyone is talking about.
And Florida State fans have every reason to demand answers.
