Virginia pulled off one of the biggest wins in recent program history, defeating No. 8 Florida State 46-38 in double overtime at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers sealed the game with a 4-yard Chandler Morris rushing touchdown followed by a successful two-point conversion, then clinched the upset on a Ja’Son Prevard end-zone interception. The victory sparked an electric field storm as fans poured onto the turf in Charlottesville, celebrating the team’s first home win over a top-10 opponent since 2005.

Why This Win Matters

This victory is monumental for Virginia football. It marks the Cavaliers’ first home triumph over a top-10 team since their 2005 upset of Florida State, symbolizing a breakthrough moment for the current coaching staff and roster. With the win, Virginia improves to 4-1 overall (2-0 ACC) and now sits firmly in early ACC contention. Meanwhile, Florida State (3-1, 0-1 ACC) suffers its first loss of the season and will now face the challenge of regrouping quickly.

Game Recap: How the Action Unfolded

Virginia came out firing, turning two early turnovers into a quick 14-0 lead. But Florida State clawed back behind timely defense, forcing interceptions that shifted momentum and tied the score at 21-21 by halftime.

The drama peaked late in regulation when FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos hit Randy Pittman Jr. on a fourth-and-goal strike with just 32 seconds left, forcing overtime.

Both teams traded field goals in the first overtime before Morris muscled in a 4-yard touchdown in the second OT and connected with Trell Harris on the two-point try. Florida State’s last hope ended on fourth-and-12 when Prevard picked off Castellanos, triggering a wild on-field celebration.

Standout Performers

• Chandler Morris (Virginia QB): Accounted for five total touchdowns (three rushing, two passing), excelling in red-zone situations.
• J’Mari Taylor (Virginia RB): Rushed for 99 yards and a score, controlling tempo for the Cavaliers in the second half.
• Duce Robinson (FSU WR): Hauled in nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown, serving as Florida State’s most reliable weapon.
• Tommy Castellanos (FSU QB): Produced 332 total yards (254 passing, 78 rushing) with two touchdowns but threw the game-ending interception.

The Moment and the Aftermath

The scene turned electric as fans stormed the field seconds after Prevard’s interception. USA Today reported that several Florida State players were briefly caught in the crowd, highlighting ongoing conversations about player safety during field stormings.

Per ACC policy, Virginia faces a $50,000 fine for a first field-storming offense. The money will go to the conference’s postgraduate scholarship fund, part of a tiered penalty system aimed at maintaining safety for players, coaches, and officials.

What’s Next

• Florida State: Returns to Tallahassee to face Miami in a critical rivalry game that will test the Seminoles’ ability to rebound from their first defeat.
• Virginia: Travels to Louisville next week with renewed confidence and momentum, now seen as a legitimate threat in the ACC race.

Key Takeaways

• Virginia earned a program-defining 46-38 double-overtime upset, fueled by Morris’ five-touchdown night.
• Early turnovers set up a fast start for the Cavaliers, but Florida State’s resilience made it a back-and-forth thriller.
• Fan celebrations created a dramatic postgame scene, prompting ACC policy enforcement and renewed safety discussions.

FAQs

Who won the Virginia vs. Florida State game?
Virginia defeated No. 8 Florida State 46-38 in double overtime at Scott Stadium.

How did the game end?
Chandler Morris scored a 4-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion before Ja’Son Prevard’s interception sealed the win.

Who were the top players?
Morris led Virginia with five total TDs, J’Mari Taylor added 99 rushing yards, and FSU’s Duce Robinson caught nine passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.

Why did fans storm the field?
The Cavaliers ended the game with an interception, securing their first home win over a top-10 team since 2005, sparking a massive celebration.

What is the ACC fine for field-storming?
The conference issues a $50,000 fine for a first offense, with funds directed to its postgraduate scholarship program.