Miami Hurricanes hang on against Florida State, claim Florida Cup

Miami, Florida – Dominating for three quarters, the third-ranked Miami Hurricanes withstood a late surge, beating Florida State 28-22 to become state champs. Heisman hopeful Carson Beck made his case, completing 20 of 27 passes for 241 yards and four touchdowns, helping to win the Florida Cup for the second straight year. The Seminoles scored on the opening drive thanks to a 23-yard field goal by Jake Weinberg. However, the Hurricanes’ defense, led by Rueben Bain Jr., Akheem Mesidor, and Keionte Scott, went on to completely shut down No. 18 FSU until the fourth quarter, producing three takeaways. Miami led by as much as 28-3 before the Seminoles rallied with 19 unanswered points in a sloppy fourth quarter that saw the Cardiac Canes commit six penalties and pass up a field-goal attempt.

UM gained traction on its second possession thanks to a big 47-yard catch by CJ Daniels to move deep into FSU territory. Daniels eventually recorded the go-ahead four-yard TD. Tommy Castellanos threw his first pick of the night early in the second quarter, going for it on 4th and eight on Miami’s 41 courtesy of Bryce Fitzgerald. Beck responded immediately with a 44-yard touchdown to Malachi Toney. Miami almost scored before halftime, but an illegal motion penalty nullified the play.

Statement Made ✔️🤯

CJ Daniels continues to be one of the best transfer additions in the ACC as he caught five passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns against Florida State @CanesFootball | @MiamiHurricanes | @DrPepper pic.twitter.com/igGqwslc4g

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) October 5, 2025

The Hurricanes widened the lead coming out of the half. Going for it on 4th and two, Beck connected with Toney for the 40-yard strike, making it 21-3. Jakobe Thomas continued Castellanos’ containment with a second pick. Daniels, meanwhile, returned to the endzone with a 24-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter. Down 25, Lawayne McCoy reinvigorated the Seminoles, catching the team’s first TD of the night, complemented by the successful two-point attempt. FSU kept clawing, scoring on a 19-play marathon that included three 4th down conversions and another successful two-pointer. Florida State attempted three onside kicks during the final period, with Miami recovering all of them to seal their fate.

Flea Flicker fooled 'em 🤯🔥

📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/K44tL3kzO2

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 5, 2025

Despite the win, penalties remain a problem. The U committed 13 for 114 yards. This was also the first time the Hurricanes were outproduced. Florida State generated 404 yards to Miami’s 338.  Toney was the top receiver, ending the night with seven catches for 107 yards. Daniels came next, catching five for 78 yards. The ground game was almost nonexistent, held to 97 yards with Mark Fletcher Jr. producing 40 yards on 12 carries. Remaining undefeated, the 5-0 Canes will go on their second bye week before hosting Louisville.

That's a true freshman right there 🫵🔥

📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/qEqUr4t8qM

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 5, 2025

Impressions

If you have some frustrations over the win, you’re not alone. Miami took its foot off the gas and had a terrible finish. The defense ceased to make stops, and the offense dried up. Only two things were worse than those fourth-quarter penalties: the fourth-down conversions and not going for the field goal. UM failed to finish off the Seminoles not once but thrice. However, I will admit the unit played strategically. By preventing the explosive plays, they forced the Seminoles to eat up the clock. Once the Hurricanes got the ball, coach Mike Norvell was forced to use all his timeouts, which brings me to my next point.

Jakobe Thomas CHASES DOWN Tommy Castellanos pic.twitter.com/KvMWLkNAaN

— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) October 5, 2025

When you’re on the opponent’s 23, how can you go for it with just over a minute to go? Hit the three, and it’s a 12-point game with no timeouts remaining. On offense, coach Mario Cristobal executed a little too conservatively, especially when Florida State was starting to rally. A win is a win, and despite the late-game relapse, the team played great overall. Keep in mind FSU averaged 53 points per game heading into the contest. I was close with that 34-20 prediction. Castellanos was partially stopped, and they kept Duce Robinson out of the endzone. Most importantly, the Hurricanes won the turnover battle. Beck, Daniels, and Bain all exceeded expectations, which was great to see. Onwards to the second bye week.

About Post Author

Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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