Mike Norvell Challenging No. 1 Miami Hurricanes Win Against Florida State Seminoles?

As the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes beat the Florida State Seminoles 43-35 in double overtime on Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium, the back-and-forth between the historic rivals didn’t end without controversy.

During Sunday’s media availability, head coach Mike Norvell described a holding call as an “absolute joke” and confirmed to have reached out to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“I called and talked to Gary Patterson, head of officials,” he said. “I’ve not heard his final review from it. In that moment, that play, it’s a shame. For those kids not to be able to finish the game on the field is really disappointing. That was bad. I haven’t gotten the final response from them, but if it’s anything less than what I said, that tells me everything I need to know.”

In the second overtime, the Hurricanes scored a touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Trailing in a sudden-death situation, the Seminoles still had an opportunity to respond. After getting sacked by Hurricanes’ nickelback/safety Omar Thornton, followed by a couple of pressures and a false start, fifth-year quarterback Ashton Daniels had the game on the line in a fourth-and-21 situation. He threw up a 36-yard Hail Mary to star junior wide receiver Micahi Danzy for what was momentarily a touchdown.

However, a holding call on left tackle Xavier Chaplin reversed what would have been a game-defining play. Although the Seminoles still needed the two-point conversion to force a third overtime, it would’ve put more pressure on the Hurricanes’ defense. Chaplin forced edge rusher Damon Wilson II off balance with a legal right-arm chop, but he grabbed the collar with his left arm, which likely forced the flag.

Even with Norvell contacting the league, it won’t change the outcome. It’s a similar situation the Hurricanes were in last season, following the 26-20 loss against SMU in overtime. Head coach Mario Cristobal contacted the ACC about some questionable flags, including a roughing-the-passer call on defensive end Marquise Lightfoot.

The Seminoles still had a final chance to reclaim the touchdown, but this time, on fourth-and-31. Daniels managed to find star wide receiver Duce Robinson in the end zone, but the football came down to Hurricanes cornerback/safety Bryce Fitzgerald for the game-winning interception. 

It was another controversial play of the night.

Robinson did appear to initially have a clean catch, but as he came down with Fitzgerald right behind him, the football had gotten loose, therefore losing the right to possession. The game came down to inches and the Hurricanes managed to survive a shocking turn of events throughout the rest of college football that night.

Norvell’s frustrations are understandable as the Seminoles fell to 3-4 (ACC 1-3) on the season. A win could have been a turning point, but instead it was a continuation of disappointment. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes remain undefeated – 6-0 (ACC 4-0) – while preparing to host the Pitt Panthers at Hard Rock Stadium this Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

- "Javian Mallory Boosted UM's Run Game as Mark Fletcher Jr. Went Down"

- "Miami Hurricanes Ranked New No. 1 in AP Poll"

- "UM's Bryce Fitzgerald Displayed Sacrifice in Win Over FSU"