The rivalry between the Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes has delivered some classic games, and Saturday night was another one. Records didn't matter in this one at all, as FSU, the heavy underdogs, gave Miami all that they could handle for well over 60 minutes.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Seminoles held a 21-14 lead before the Hurricanes scored twice to go up by seven. A long Duce Robinson touchdown tied the game once again in the fourth quarter, and the game eventually went into overtime. After scores from each team sent it into double overtime, Miami took an eight-point lead, but Florida State appeared to have scored a touchdown on a pass to Micahi Danzy.
A controversial holding penalty was called, and FSU needed another
miracle. On the final play of the game, Robinson looked to have had simultaneous possession with a Miami defensive back on a Hail Mary, but it was ruled an interception. Florida State fell 43-35. A heartbreaking loss.
It was a tough way to lose for FSU, and they'll be kicking themselves for a couple of blown opportunities. Here are five takeaways from their defeat.
Mike Norvell's refusal to take points hurt Florida State
FSU had the ball inside the five-yard line toward the end of the first quarter when they were down 7-0 and were stopped on downs. Then down 14-7 in the second quarter, they turned the ball over again on downs at the five. That's six potential points off the board that would've eliminated overtime. Norvell should have taken those points, especially on the road, and it ultimately cost the Seminoles the game.
Quintrevion Wisner's fumble was a devastating blow
Miami scored with about nine and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 21. Wisner broke off a 24-yard run on the next drive that would've put Florida State on Miami's side of the field and give them a great chance to get points, but Wisner fumbled and set up the go-ahead touchdown for Miami. It was one of the several ways that the Seminoles shot themselves in the foot. Points on that drive could've changed the game.
FSU wasted a huge fourth-quarter stop by their defense
All season long, the Seminoles' defense has struggled. However, they stopped the Hurricanes on downs on a drive near the end of the third quarter before they took a 21-14 lead, and then stopped them again early in the fourth on downs with a shot to pull away. Unfortunately, they punted after gaining just 20 yards, and Miami tied the game on their next possession. This was another case where Florida State could've gotten some critical points to win the game.
Florida State should be encouraged after this loss
There are no moral victories in football, but FSU just went toe to toe with one of the best teams in the nation and could have won. With five games left, they won't face any team nearly as good as Miami, which means they have a shot to finish the season on a high note.
This narrow defeat shouldn't save Norvell
The effort that Florida State showed vs. Miami can't be denied, and they should be commended for it. With that said, Norvell once again made situational errors, like refusing to take easy points, as mentioned earlier on multiple occasions, that were inexcusable. You simply can't make those kinds of mistakes against a team like Miami, and it's been too much of a regular occurrence under Norvell's watch.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Five takeaways from FSU's loss to Miami
