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Yesterday’s Poll Results
Today’s Poll
What’s your biggest takeaway from FSU’s night in Miami?
🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹
Good morning, Seminole!
That one is going to take a while.
Florida State took No. 3 Miami into double overtime, lost Ousmane Kromah to injury, and watched two desperation throws into the end zone produce two rulings that will dominate the conversation. The final was 43–35. The effort was there. So were opportunities FSU will want back.
We have the finish, the decisions that preceded it, the players who kept the upset alive, and a Sunday schedule that gives us somewhere else to put our attention.
📋 In Today’s Chief Brief:
🏈 A Rivalry Gut Punch – How a fourth-quarter lead became a double-overtime loss
🎥 The Final Two Throws – Danzy’s erased touchdown, Robinson’s disputed catch, and the review
🩺 Kromah’s Injury – What happened and what it means for the backfield
🎯 Daniels and Duce Deliver – Five touchdowns accounted for and two huge late connections
⚾ A Productive Fall Weekend – Three exhibition wins, Frommelt’s defense, and Veras’ response
📬 Recruiting in Illinois – FSU-offered Jordan McKinley delivers 143 yards and two touchdowns
🏀 Hoops Is Back – A free first look at the women’s team this afternoon
⚽ Finish the Road Weekend – Soccer takes a six-game unbeaten run to Pitt
🏊 Around the Noles – A dominant swim finale, Whaley’s charge, tennis results and today’s slate
Let’s get into it. 🍢
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🏈 Miami 43, FSU 35: The Fight Lasted. The Lead Didn’t.
Florida State fell to 3–4 overall and 1–3 in the ACC after a double-overtime loss at Hard Rock Stadium. The Seminoles led 21–14 entering the fourth quarter and answered a late Miami touchdown with a 75-yard strike, but the Hurricanes escaped at 6–0. FSU’s official recap and box score →
FSU kept answering: Desirrio Riles’ 23-yard touchdown reception and Ashton Daniels’ two-yard run erased Miami’s first two leads. Tre Wisner’s 28-yard screen touchdown put FSU ahead in the third quarter.
The fourth-quarter swing: Miami tied it, recovered a Wisner fumble, then used a 10-play, 61-yard drive to take a 28–21 lead. Daniels and Duce Robinson answered on the next snap, tying it with 2:39 remaining.
One more answer, then none: Robinson’s 20-yard touchdown opened overtime. Javian Mallory answered from 25 yards out. Miami scored again in the second overtime, with Malachi Toney catching the touchdown and throwing the two-point conversion to Cooper Barkate.
Why It Matters: FSU sustained a road fight against a top-three opponent after last week’s collapse at Louisville. The loss still extends its skid to 12 consecutive true road games, with a bye before Clemson visits on Halloween. 🍢🍢
🎥 Two Hail Marys. Two Rulings. One Gut Punch.
FSU needed a touchdown and a two-point conversion to extend the game. The two throws into the end zone are worth breaking down individually. Noles247’s account of the final sequence →
Fourth-and-21: Daniels escaped pressure and found Micahi Danzy in the end zone. A holding penalty on left tackle Xavier Chaplin erased the touchdown and moved the ball from Miami’s 36 to its 46. The down was replayed.
Fourth-and-31: Daniels rolled right and threw toward Robinson. Robinson and Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald contested the ball in a crowd. The officials ruled an interception, then let the ruling stand after review.
The disagreement: Mike Norvell argued that Robinson had simultaneous possession and should have been awarded the catch. ESPN rules analyst Steve Shaw supported the interception ruling, saying the video did not justify overturning it.
Norvell said he received little explanation. Asked about the holding call, his response was brief: “Go watch the film.” Daniels also said he believed Robinson had caught a touchdown. CBS’s review of the calls and competing interpretations →
Why It Matters: Either catch, if awarded as a touchdown, would still have required a successful two-point play. The rulings ended FSU’s chance to attempt one, which is why the sequence will linger. 🍢🍢
🧠 The Decisions Before the Drama
The ending will consume the replay loops. FSU also had two first-half possessions end on downs inside Miami’s five-yard line—a decision debate that Tomahawk Nation’s postgame panel does not settle unanimously.
The case for taking points: Matt Minnick and several other panelists wanted field goals, arguing FSU could not afford empty possessions against this opponent.
The case for going: Jon Marchant supported the aggression from a heavy underdog. Tim Scribble and Perry Kostidakis emphasized the field-position benefit: Miami’s ensuing possessions began pinned deep, helping FSU regain favorable starting positions.
The defensive swing: Ashlynd Barker’s end-zone interception and two fourth-down stops helped FSU build its lead. Miami ultimately finished with 583 yards, including 257 rushing, and scored touchdowns in each overtime.
Why It Matters: The two empty trips deserve scrutiny, but adding six hypothetical points to the final score ignores the possessions and field position that followed. FSU had opportunities to improve its position well before the disputed finish. 🍢🍢
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🩺 Kromah’s Exit Changes the Backfield
Ousmane Kromah was carted off with 1:53 left in the first half after a first-down run near Miami’s goal line. Medical staff placed his left ankle in an air cast, and the Seminole bench came onto the field before he left. Tomahawk Nation’s injury report →
What he had provided: Kromah carried 14 times for 44 yards against a defense that entered allowing fewer than 43 rushing yards per game. He came into Saturday leading FSU with 565 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
The next options: With Samuel Singleton Jr. already injured, Tre Wisner and freshman Amari Thomas become especially important. Wisner contributed a season-high 63 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown Saturday.
The immediate question: The initial reports did not include a confirmed diagnosis or return timetable. The bye provides time for evaluation, but the available rotation is thin.
Another injury to monitor: Linebacker Omar Graham Jr. also left the game injured in the second half. Bob Ferrante’s game and injury notes →
Chop Chat’s reaction column also identifies the remaining backfield depth as a major concern heading into the second half of the schedule.
Why It Matters: Kromah’s workload and physical running have helped establish FSU’s offense. His health, and how the staff distributes touches around Wisner, are central questions before Clemson. 🍢🍢
🎯 Daniels and Robinson Gave FSU a Chance
Saturday’s production came against a Miami defense that entered allowing 9.8 points per game. Daniels returned after a first-quarter targeting hit and went on to account for all five Seminole touchdowns. Full game statistics →
Ashton Daniels: 15-of-28 passing for 298 yards and four touchdowns, plus 31 rushing yards and a score. His 11th rushing touchdown ties the most by an FSU player through seven games since 1995.
Duce Robinson: Five catches, 113 yards and two touchdowns. His 75-yard catch-and-run tied regulation; his 20-yard corner-route catch gave FSU the first overtime lead.
Tre Wisner: Nine carries for 63 yards and four receptions for 56 more. The 119 yards from scrimmage and screen touchdown mattered, as did the costly fourth-quarter fumble.
Ashlynd Barker: A team-high 13 tackles, two pass breakups and the interception that ended Darian Mensah’s season-opening run without a pick. It was also FSU’s first takeaway since the Labor Day game against SMU. Chris Jones added nine tackles.
Norvell, Daniels and linebacker Chris Jones spoke afterward. Watch the postgame interviews →
Why It Matters: Daniels and Robinson produced the explosive passing plays FSU needed, and Wisner showed he can contribute in multiple ways. The task after the bye is turning those performances into a complete winning game. 🍢🍢
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⚾ Three Wins, Frommelt’s Arm, and Veras’ Response
FSU followed Friday’s Jacksonville sweep with a 7–1 win and 7–2 loss against North Florida in two six-inning exhibitions Saturday. The Seminoles completed 24 innings across two days and took three of the four games. The Osceola’s game-by-game recap →
At the Plate
Veras answers immediately: After a dropped ball on a difficult play in right allowed the opener’s only run, Genson Veras launched a homer beyond the retired numbers in left-center. He finished Game 1 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Frommelt does both jobs: Kaden Frommelt threw out two runners and added two singles, including an RBI hit, plus a walk and a hit-by-pitch. That followed Friday’s homer and double against Jacksonville.
DeLamielleure’s second chance: Brody DeLamielleure’s 3-for-4 day included two doubles. He successfully challenged a strike-three call through ABS, then doubled.
Runs made different ways: John Stuetzer beat a throw, stole second, advanced on the catcher’s throw and scored on Jackson McKenzie’s infield hit. Coy Clements drove in both FSU runs in Game 2.
On the Mound
Run prevention in the opener: Cade O’Leary allowed no earned runs in two innings. Payton Manca followed with two scoreless, hitless innings, and Jordan Martinez added two shutout frames.
The freshman velocity: Donovan Thiery and Spencer Krasner each threw a no-hit inning. Thiery touched 99 mph in a perfect frame; Krasner struck out two in the sixth.
The command work ahead: Warchant counted eight walks Saturday after only two Friday. Isaiah Shayter walked the first two hitters of the second inning, which became a five-run frame. Emery Dawkins allowed two runs but struck out four over two innings.
Next: South Florida at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, October 24 at 1 p.m. ET. The Garnet & Gold All-Star Game follows at Howser on October 30 at 6 p.m. Fall Ball tickets →
Why It Matters: Frommelt supplied offense and helped control the running game, while Veras showed the power to respond to a mistake. The young arms brought velocity; limiting free passes is a clear next step. 🍢🍢
📬 Recruiting: McKinley Delivers in Illinois
An FSU-offered pass catcher stood out in one of Illinois’ loaded matchups Friday. Jordan McKinley had nine catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns in Loyola Academy’s 38–21 loss to Mount Carmel. Tom Loy’s on-site report suggests he might have been the best player on the field. Read Loy’s scouting report →
The profile: McKinley is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound prospect in the 2028 class. Loy highlights his ability to win contested catches and make a play when the offense needs one.
The projection: Some evaluators see a receiver, while others see an undersized tight end. His size and receiving ability give programs options as he develops.
The competition: Florida State has offered alongside Louisville, Ohio State, North Carolina, Indiana, Virginia Tech and UCLA, among others.
Why It Matters: McKinley already holds an FSU offer. This performance shows why schools can value his receiving ability while continuing to evaluate his eventual position. 🍢🍢
🏀 Free Hoops at the Tucker Center Today
Brooke Wyckoff’s team hosts Tampa at 2 p.m. for its first exhibition. Admission is free. Radio coverage is on 96.5 FM, the Seminoles Unconquered App and Seminoles.com, with Scott Kornberg joining Melissa Bruner on the call. Exhibition preview, listening links and live stats →
The returning scorer: Solè Williams averaged 15.1 points last season, 11th in the ACC. Tatum Greene, Avery Treadwell, Emma Risch and Mari Gerton also return.
The transfer group: Six arrivals include UConn’s Ice Brady and Marshall’s Timaya Lewis-Eutsey, who averaged 20 points and earned WNIT MVP honors last season.
The freshmen: FSU’s No. 12 ESPNW recruiting class is led by Missy Odom, already a preseason ACC All-Freshman selection. Today begins the process of fitting the five freshmen with the returners and transfers.
Palm Beach Atlantic visits October 22 at 6 p.m. The regular season opens November 2 against Merrimack, the first of five straight games in Tallahassee.
Why It Matters: There are 11 newcomers to integrate. An exhibition offers a first look at combinations and roles before results begin counting. 🍢🍢
⚽ Six Unbeaten, One More Road Assignment
No. 24 FSU visits Pitt at 1 p.m. ET today at Ambrose Urbanic Field. Coverage is on ACCNX. The Seminoles enter 6–1–3 overall, 2–0–2 in the ACC and unbeaten in their last six matches. Watch, follow live stats and read the preview →
The momentum: FSU has consecutive ranked road wins over Clemson and Wake Forest and is 3–0 against top-25 opponents this season, with all three wins away from home.
The production: Wrianna Hudson leads with five goals. Sam Erbach has four goals, four assists and a team-high 12 points. Kate Ockene has four shutouts.
The opponent: Pitt is 7–6–2 and 1–5–1 in ACC play after a 4–1 loss at Notre Dame. FSU has won all 15 previous meetings, including 11 shutouts.
Why It Matters: The Wake Forest win was a statement. Following it with another road result would keep FSU’s unbeaten ACC start moving toward the postseason. 🍢🍢
🏊 Twenty-One Wins in Twenty-Two Events
The swimming and diving teams closed the Atlanta Dual Meet Tournament with a 586–203 combined win over George Washington. FSU won 21 of 22 events, including seven 1–2–3 finishes. Full meet recap and results →
Hardman’s progress: Mary Leigh Hardman set a personal best in the 100 free at 49.49 and helped the 200 free relay win in 1:30.96.
Christensen’s weekend: Mathias Christensen won the 200 IM in all three matchups. Saturday’s 1:45.50 led a sweep, and he also won the 200 fly in 1:42.84.
Diving sweep: Jack Bessire won both men’s boards, while Evelyn Hall won both women’s boards.
Why It Matters: FSU finished the tournament emphatically after Friday’s losses. The next meet brings the team home: the All Florida Invite at Morcom on October 23, starting at 2 p.m. 🍢🍢
⛳ Whaley’s Four-Birdie Charge
Jack Whaley birdied four consecutive holes, Nos. 13–16, to shoot 2-under 70 and sit tied for third at Fallen Oak. He is two shots off the lead in Saucier, Mississippi. Opening-round recap and scoring details →
The team: FSU is ninth at 7-over 295. All six Seminoles birdied the 15th, helping build momentum late.
The next scores: Shawn Coultoff shot 74 and is tied for 26th; Tyler Weaver’s 75 puts him tied for 35th. Wilmer Edero followed with 76.
Today: FSU plays its second round alongside Illinois and LSU.
Why It Matters: Whaley has an individual leaderboard opportunity, while the team needs to carry its strong closing stretch into a fuller round. 🍢🍢
🎾 Andre’s Run Highlights Regionals
True freshman Seydina Andre reached the singles quarterfinals at the ITA Southeast Regional in Atlanta. Justin Lyons and Azariah Rusher reached the doubles quarterfinals, giving FSU three players in the last eight of their respective draws. Complete regional recap →
Andre’s wins: He defeated Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Irwanto, Florida’s Andreas Timini and UCF’s Wissam Abderrahman before falling to Georgia’s Noah Johnston.
The doubles pair: Lyons and Rusher beat teams from Florida Atlantic and South Florida before losing 8–3 to Florida’s Henry Jefferson and Ty Host.
Why It Matters: Andre supplied an early freshman highlight, and Lyons and Rusher added a strong doubles run. FSU next hosts the ITA South Sectional Championships November 5–8. 🍢🍢
🗞️ Around the Noles: A Bye, a Poll and Sunday’s Slate
Football’s reset: FSU is off October 24, then hosts Clemson October 31. The competitive showing will feed the debate over Norvell’s future; Chop Chat’s reaction column asks how much it changes the conversation. Norvell’s own postgame standard was clear: “we want the results.”
The national ripple: No. 1 Georgia lost to Auburn and No. 2 Notre Dame lost to BYU. That opens a path for Miami to rise when Sunday’s AP poll is released. The AP national game account →
Today’s viewing order: Soccer at Pitt at 1 p.m. ET on ACCNX; women’s basketball vs. Tampa at 2 p.m. with free admission; volleyball at No. 5 SMU at 2 p.m. ET on ACCNX. Men’s golf continues at Fallen Oak.
And that’s a wrap!
A few inches and two rulings will occupy a lot of space this morning. Kromah’s health matters more than any replay angle, and the bye now gives FSU time to work through what comes next.
There is a full Sunday of Seminole sports ahead. Take a breath, support the teams back in action, and we’ll keep following the football aftermath. Go Noles! 🍢
