Florida State shouldn’t be let off the hook after two questionable calls helped Miami walk out of Hard Rock Stadium with a 43-35 win Saturday night.
Mike Norvell stood on the sideline after the game looking frustrated, mad, disappointed, and in disbelief that the booth review went the way of the Hurricanes.
After taking the now-No. 1 team in the country to double overtime as more than a 19-point underdog, Norvell's team came a call and an extra point away from forcing a third overtime for a chance to secure their first road win in over 1,020 days.
After the game, Norvell's frustration was evident as he took to the podium. He questioned why the call stood without receiving an explanation and pointed out that the same crew had made questionable calls in Miami's favor in back-to-back years.
“I didn't get an explanation. They went to review. Pretty unique when you have the same crew back-to-back years in game-ending situations that go down the last play,” Norvell said. “You don't get a whole lot of explanation.”
The first controversial call came on fourth-and-21 from Miami’s 36-yard line, with Florida State trailing by seven.
Ashton Daniels threw a pass that Micahi Danzy appeared to pull in for a touchdown, potentially putting the Seminoles one extra point away from tying the game.
However, Xavier Chaplin was called for holding, nullifying the touchdown.
The replay appeared to tell a different story, showing that Chaplin never held on the play.
The offense came back on the field, and on fourth-and-31 from Miami’s 46-yard line, Daniels appeared to pull off a second miracle.
After throwing up a jump ball that Duce Robinson and Miami’s Bryce Fitzgerald appeared to have simultaneous possession of when they hit the ground. It initially looked like a touchdown for the Seminoles.
According to the rules, a simultaneous catch by opposing players is awarded to the passing team.
However, the officials ruled it an interception, and after a booth review, the call stood, leaving Florida State wondering why.
Norvell can stand there and talk about the refs, but don’t let that one aspect distract from the fact that the outcome didn't just come down to a play like that.
“It's unfortunate to see the guys go out there and perform the way they did. There's plenty of plays, but just to have the outcome come down to a play like that,” Norvell said.
Florida State had 60-plus minutes to take the human element out of it by making enough plays to get the win, but failed.
Twice, Norvell went for it on fourth down instead of attempting a chip-shot field goal from inside Miami's six-yard line.
Florida State failed to convert on both attempts, leaving six points on the field.
Those points could have changed the game's outcome and potentially allowed the Seminoles to win in regulation instead of needing overtime.
Norvell decided, not the refs, to take the ball out of Daniels' hands?
With 33 seconds left, Florida State had the ball on its own 1-yard line after one play chose to take a knee and head to overtime.
While that is usually the right decision, Norvell entered the game at 3-3 and under pressure to turn the season around. Meanwhile, Daniels was having his best passing game of the season, giving Norvell a reason to consider taking one final chance before overtime but decided against it.
It left some wondering why Daniels wasn't given a chance to pull off a miracle, especially after connecting with Robinson for a 75-yard touchdown on the previous drive in just 10 seconds.
It wasn’t the refs who gave up explosive plays or failed to get off the field on third down.
If you don’t want the game to come down to human error, you have to do a better job of preventing explosive plays.
Miami finished with 356 yards on plays that gained at least 15 yards through the air and 10 yards on the ground.
The Hurricanes had nine pass plays for 222 yards and seven runs for another 134 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown run in overtime.
And don’t let Miami convert 53.3% of its third downs (8 of 15), including a 30-yard gain on third-and-9 and a 15-yard gain on third-and-10 that helped the Hurricanes take a 28-21 lead in the fourth quarter.
Florida State can point to questionable calls all it wants, but a defense that repeatedly gave up big plays and couldn’t get off the field played a major part in the outcome.
Florida State has every right to question the calls and be frustrated with the officiating, but Norvell and his staff must also be held accountable for the opportunities they failed to capitalize on. Since the start of the 2024 season.
Florida State has lost nine one-score games.
Until the Seminoles learn to finish games, questioning the officiating, regardless of the call, will remain an excuse rather than the reason they lose a football game.