Virginia Shocks No. 8 Florida State in 2nd Overtime/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Virginia earned its first home win over a Top 10 opponent since 2005 by defeating No. 8 Florida State 46-38 in double overtime. Quarterback Chandler Morris accounted for five touchdowns, including the game-winner. Cavaliers fans stormed the field after Ja’Son Prevard’s interception sealed the upset.
Virginia vs. Florida State Quick Looks
- Final Score: Virginia 46, Florida State 38 (2OT)
- Chandler Morris: 3 rushing TDs, 2 passing TDs
- Game-Winner: 4-yard Morris run + 2-point conversion
- Key Defensive Play: Prevard interception on final FSU drive
- Duce Robinson: 9 catches, 147 yards, 1 TD for FSU
- Tommy Castellanos: 254 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, 2 TDs
- Virginia rushing attack: 130 yards after halftime and OTs
- Crowd: 50,107 — UVA’s largest since 2023
- Significance: First home Top 10 win since 2005 (also vs. FSU)
- Next Games: FSU vs. Miami, Virginia at Louisville
Deep Look: Cavaliers Stun Florida State in Charlottesville Classic
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — September 26, 2025
The Virginia Cavaliers pulled off one of their biggest wins in recent history, defeating No. 8 Florida State 46-38 in double overtime at Scott Stadium. The victory marked Virginia’s first home triumph over a Top 10 opponent in 20 years, last achieved in 2005 — also against the Seminoles.
Quarterback Chandler Morris delivered a career-defining performance, scoring five total touchdowns (three rushing, two passing) and putting his stamp on the program’s most significant win since 2019.
Morris Leads the Way
The decisive moment came in the second overtime when Morris punched in a 4-yard touchdown run before hitting Trell Harris for a 2-point conversion, pushing Virginia ahead 46-38. Florida State still had a chance, but Duce Robinson bobbled a potential tying pass in the end zone. On the next play, Tommy Castellanos’ desperation throw was intercepted by Ja’Son Prevard, sending Cavaliers fans streaming onto the field in celebration.
“That’s what Scott Stadium is supposed to be like,” said head coach Tony Elliott, crediting the atmosphere of the 50,107 fans, UVA’s largest home crowd since 2023. “It felt like a championship kind of game.”
Florida State Rallies Late
The Seminoles (3-1, 0-1 ACC) nearly escaped with a comeback win. Castellanos connected with Randy Pittman Jr. for an 11-yard touchdown on fourth down with just 32 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime. Both teams exchanged field goals in the first extra period before Virginia delivered the knockout punch in the second.
Castellanos finished with 254 passing yards, one TD through the air, and another 78 yards with a rushing score. Robinson was his top target, catching nine passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.
“They started fast, took advantage of some mistakes we had early,” said FSU coach Mike Norvell. “I was pleased with the way our guys responded.”
Virginia Controls Clock With Ground Game
After a shaky start, Virginia’s rebuilt offensive line began to dominate. Despite starting backup center Drake Metcalf in place of the injured Brady Wilson, the Cavaliers pounded out 130 rushing yards in the second half and overtimes.
- J’Mari Taylor led the way with 99 yards and a touchdown.
- Xavier Brown added 43 yards on six carries, helping UVA control possession and wear down Florida State’s defense.
Virginia (4-1, 2-0 ACC) capitalized on two first-quarter takeaways to jump to a 14-0 lead. FSU countered with two interceptions to surge ahead, 21-14, but the game was tied at both halftime (21-21) and after three quarters (28-28), setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
The Bigger Picture
The loss marks a setback for Florida State, which opened the year with a stunning upset of Alabama but stumbled in its ACC opener. Meanwhile, Virginia notched a program-defining victory, one Elliott hopes can fuel their long-term resurgence.
“That’s where we want to go as a program,” Elliott said. “This felt like a championship-type of game.”
What’s Next
- Florida State: Hosts rival Miami in a high-stakes ACC showdown next Saturday night.
- Virginia: Travels to face Louisville as the Cavaliers look to keep momentum rolling.
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