Florida State football's shot at in-state rival fell short in dramatic fashion on Saturday, Oct. 17.
After a double-overtime slugfest ended with a reversed touchdown and controversial interception, Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell wasn't stomaching the result well.
"We had opportunities, but those guys competed until the very end," Norvell said in his postgame presser. "For the ending to be like that — I'm just sick."
After pushing the No. 3 team in the country to the brink in their home stadium, FSU stared down the barrel of fourth-and-forever near midfield. A 36-yard touchdown pass to Micahi Danzy was called back for holding, and a lob to Duce Robinson in the end zone resulted in a contested interception.
"I didn't get an explanation," Norvell said of the interception that ended the game. "They went to review — it's pretty unique when you have the same crew in back-to-back years in game-ending situations that go down to the last play. You don't get a whole lot of explanation."
What Mike Norvell saw on the interception play
Robinson used every bit of his 6-foot-6 frame to get his hands on the ball in the final play of the game. Bryce Fitzgerald got his hands inside as Robinson fell, and pulled the ball in towards his body. After a moment of conference, the officials called an interception on the field. A replay confirmed the call and cemented a 43-35 final.
"I watched the replay, since the start of football if it's a tie it goes to the receiver," Norvell said. "I guess they had a different angle that they could see something different so I'm sure that they will evaluate that and we'll see."
"It's unfortunate to see," Norvell said. "When guys go out there and perform the way they did - like I said there's plenty of plays, but to have that outcome come down to a play like that, I mean I'm just grateful for our guys and the way they battled."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football's Mike Norvell 'sick' after dramatic Miami 2OT loss