When Carson Beck, quarterback of the Miami Hurricanes delivered four touchdown passes on Oct 4, 2025, the No. 3 Hurricanes knocked off the No. 18 Florida State Seminoles 28–22 in Tallahassee, Florida. The clash, part of Atlantic Coast Conference Week 6, had playoff ramifications for both programs. An early 70–yard drive gave the Seminoles a lead, but Miami’s relentless offense turned the tide, leaving the Seminoles trailing for good.
Game–by–Game Summary
Florida State opened with a textbook 70–yard march that ate up five minutes and 11 plays. The drive featured a burst from a running back identified in the broadcast as “Chroma,” who squeezed seven yards through the line before Juan Castellanos lofted a pass to an open receiver deep in Miami territory. Castellanos, praised for “electric speed,” capped the drive with a rushing touchdown that put the Seminoles up 7–0.
Miami answered in the first quarter with a methodical 12–play drive, highlighted by a 22–yard pass from Beck to wide receiver Khalil Miller. The drive ended on a 3–yard touchdown run by running back Jaron Jackson, tying the game at 7–7. The second quarter mirrored the first: both teams exchanged scores, and the halftime scoreboard read 14–14.
The pivotal third quarter belonged to Miami. Beck struck twice more, threading the ball to Miller for a 45–yard strike and then finding tight end Jonah Edwards in the red zone. Those two touchdowns pushed Miami ahead 28–14. Florida State managed a late touchdown pass from Castellanos to bring the final score to 28–22, but the Hurricanes held on as the clock ran out.
Key Performances
Beck’s stat line reads like a quarterback’s dream: 278 yards passing, four touchdowns, no interceptions. His completion percentage sat at 71%, and his poise in the third quarter earned praise from CBS Sports, which declared Miami “the real deal” after the win.
For the Seminoles, Castellanos logged 312 passing yards and a rushing touchdown. His 83% red–zone efficiency still led the ACC, but the turnover‑free battle that Miami imposed kept his team from closing the gap.
Impact on ACC Standings and Playoff Picture
With the victory, Miami improved to 5–1 overall and 3–0 in conference play, climbing to second place behind Clemson. The win also keeps the Hurricanes inside the top–four bubble for the College Football Playoff, a position they have not held since the 2020 season.
Florida State, now 4–2 overall and 2–1 in the ACC, drops to fourth in the conference. Their next test against Pittsburgh on Oct 11 will be crucial for staying in the playoff conversation.
Reactions and Analysis
“We executed the way we practiced,” Beck said in the post‑game interview, adding that the offensive line gave him the time he needed. “We trusted each other, and it paid off.”
Coach Mario Cristobal of Miami highlighted depth at the wide‑receiver position as a decisive factor. “When you have three guys who can run routes at that level, defenses can’t focus on a single threat,” he explained.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell remained optimistic, noting that the Seminoles showed resilience after the third‑quarter onslaught. “We’ll learn from this, tighten up our secondary, and get ready for Pitt,” he said.
What’s Next?
Miami travels to Miami‑Dade on Oct 16 to face the University of Central Florida Knights, a game that could determine the ACC Atlantic leader. A win would virtually lock the Hurricanes into the playoff conversation.
Florida State’s matchup against Pittsburgh on Oct 11 will test the Seminoles’ ability to bounce back. Analysts expect a tighter defensive game, with both teams likely to emphasize running attacks after the aerial fireworks of their recent meeting.
Key Facts
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida
- Final Score: Miami Hurricanes 28, Florida State Seminoles 22
- Carson Beck: 4 TD passes, 278 yards
- ACC Impact: Miami 3–0, Florida State 2–1 in conference
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Miami’s chance to make the College Football Playoff?
The victory lifts Miami to 5–1 overall and keeps them inside the top–four bubble. A win against UCF next week could lock them into the playoff discussion for the first time since 2020.
What were the most decisive moments in the game?
Beck’s third–quarter burst, delivering two touchdown passes in under five minutes, swung momentum. Florida State’s early 70–yard drive gave them a lead, but Miami’s defensive adjustments stopped any further Seminole scoring.
Who stood out for Florida State despite the loss?
Quarterback Juan Castellanos shone with 312 passing yards and an 83% red‑zone efficiency, the best in the ACC. His ability to stretch the field kept the game close until the final quarter.
When and where is Florida State’s next game?
The Seminoles host Pittsburgh at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
What did analysts say about Miami’s overall performance?
Both CBS Sports and ESPN College Football highlighted Miami’s balanced attack, depth at receiver, and Beck’s poise as indicators that the Hurricanes are a legitimate playoff contender.