Test Failed: FSU upset by UVA in 2OT for first loss of season

Florida State went to Charlottesville expecting to be tested for the first time this season outside of the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium.

And the Seminoles failed that test in a 46-38 two-overtime loss on Friday night.

A fourth-down rollout touchdown pass 11 yards out from Tommy Castellanos to tight end Randy Pittman with 36 seconds left tied the game at 35-35. To overtime they went, and the two teams traded field goals in the first overtime.

Quarterback Chandler Morris, who put together a gritty performance with a hand injury on his throwing arm, scored on a keeper on the opening possession of the second overtime. UVA then converted on a back-of-end zone two-point conversion pass that came with some controversy. The Cavaliers initially sent out its extra-point team, which is against the rules as two-point conversions are required in the second overtime, but were allowed to reset their play clock.

FSU appeared to strike back with a touchdown from Castellanos to wide receiver Duce Robinson, who was sensational on the evening. He bobbled the ball and got a foot down, but the score was overturned upon replay.

FSU failed to convert on 4th-and-12 after a false start by Gavin Sawchuk as Castellanos threw an interception while under pressure. It was his second interception of the game.

No. 8 FSU (3-1, 0-1 ACC) was a seven-point favorite entering the contest. A flawed and relatively soft defensive effort as well as a turnover-heavy offensive showing cost FSU, although the Seminoles had their chances.

UVA (4-1, 2-0 ACC) got just its fourth win in program history against a Top 10 opponent while being unranked.

FSU's defense, which played inspired football against Alabama in the season opener and then cruised against two lowly opponents, seemed shellshocked. The Seminoles forced three interceptions, but were also pushed around in the trenches by an offensive line that was without three starters. UVA had 211 rushing yards and two scores, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.

Robinson finished with 147 receiving yards and nine catches as well as a score on the night. Castellanos had 332 yards of total offense and two scores, but the turnovers proved costly.

UVA built a 14-0 lead, FSU climbed back to take a 21-14 lead itself once it settled in, but the Hoos were able to control the clock with three possessions of six minutes or more in the contest.

Virginia finished with 440 yards of offense. FSU had two sacks on the evening, both from safety Ashlynd Barker, as the defensive front was exposed in multiple areas in the contest.

Missed opportunities on the evening for FSU include Castellanos' first interception inside the five in the opening half as well as a missed field goal to begin the third quarter.

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