By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Josh Lloyd-The Mojo Network)
Unranked Virginia pulled off a stunner tonight, upsetting No. 8 Florida State in a double-overtime thriller in Charlottesville. The Cavaliers, the home team, used every ounce of momentum from a raucous Scott Stadium crowd — and then some.
Virginia’s defense set the tone early, forcing key turnovers and never letting the high-powered FSU offense find its rhythm. On the other side, the Cavaliers’ offense capitalized on every opportunity, stringing together long drives and hitting explosive plays to keep momentum firmly on their side.
Virginia and FSU traded blows through regulation, with Florida State forcing overtime after a late fourth-down touchdown by Tommy Castellanos. In the first overtime, each team settled for a field goal.
But in the second overtime, Virginia’s quarterback Chandler Morris broke through. He scampered in for a 4-yard touchdown run, then connected with Trell Harris on a two-point conversion to put the Cavaliers ahead.
FSU still had a chance to respond. On fourth-and-12 from the 27-yard line, Tommy Castellanos launched a pass into the end zone — only for Ja’Son Prevard to intercept it. That game-ending pick sealed the upset and sent the Virginia faithful pouring onto the field in celebration.
By the final whistle, the upset was complete — and Scott Stadium erupted. Fans stormed the field in celebration, flooding the turf in a sea of orange and blue as the Cavaliers basked in their improbable victory.