FSU football grades: Mike Norvell leads Seminoles to solid effort, tough loss

Florida State had every opportunity to snap its road losing streak and pull off a season-defining upset Saturday night.

Instead, the Seminoles watched a valiant effort end in heartbreak, falling 43-35 to rival Miami in double overtime despite multiple chances to seize control of the game.

The loss drops FSU to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC play, adding further pressure to a season that continues to raise questions about coach Mike Norvell's future. Here's how the Seminoles graded out after their latest setback.

FSU football vs Miami Hurricanes: Photos from ACC rivalry game

Daniels turned in one of his most efficient performances of the season, completing 15 of 26 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns.

The senior showed poise throughout the night and delivered several key deep throws, particularly in the second half, helping keep Florida State within striking distance against one of the conference's top teams. He also battled through constant pressure as Miami limited his ability to impact the game with his legs.

The performance wasn't flawless. There were still moments when Daniels appeared hesitant to trust what he saw downfield, and his final desperation pass intended for Duce Robinson was intercepted, ending any hopes of a miracle finish. Still, Daniels demonstrated toughness and leadership while giving the Seminoles a chance to win until the final play.

FSU offense faced a significant challenge when running back Ousmane Kromah exited late in the second quarter.

Tre Wisner stepped up admirably, scoring on a screen pass that gave FSU its first lead of the night at 21-14 in the third quarter. Wisner finished with four catches for 56 yards and added 34 rushing yards on seven carries. However, his fourth-quarter fumble in a tie game proved costly.

The Seminoles were slow to involve some of their biggest playmakers. Robinson didn't emerge as a major factor until late in regulation but still finished with 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including several clutch catches. Desirro Riles added his first touchdown of the season, while Jayvann Boggs and Jasen Lopez also contributed.

Despite the production, FSU lacked consistency for long stretches and struggled to fully capitalize on favorable opportunities against Miami's defense.

The final score may not reflect it, but FSU's defense did enough at times to keep the Seminoles in contention deep into the game.

Facing Miami's explosive offense, the Seminoles generated pressure with their front four and forced quarterback Darian Mensah into his first interception of the game during the third quarter. The defense also recorded a sack and repeatedly disrupted the Hurricanes ' rhythm.

Chris Jones delivered one of the game's biggest moments, stopping Miami on a fourth-and-short attempt for the third consecutive week in a critical short-yardage situation.

Still, FSU had no answer for Miami's top playmakers. Malachi Toney finished with 10 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown, while Javian Mallory rushed for 108 yards and two scores. The inability to slow either player ultimately proved too much to overcome.

Given the wet conditions and slick football, punter Daniels Hughes provided a steady performance.

Hughes placed two punts inside the 20-yard line and helped limit opportunities for Miami's dangerous return game. It wasn't a flashy night for the special teams unit, but it was a dependable one.

FSU's effort and preparation kept the Seminoles competitive for all four quarters and two overtime periods. The players continued to fight until the final whistle, reflecting positively on Norvell and his staff.

However, the game once again spotlighted several critical fourth-down decisions. FSU failed on two goal-line attempts, leaving points on the field in a game ultimately decided by one possession. Similar questions emerged after the Louisville loss, and those missed opportunities loomed large as the Seminoles pursued a marquee victory.

Aside from those decisions, the coaching staff devised a strong game plan that put FSU in position to win. Unfortunately, a handful of costly choices and missed opportunities overshadowed much of the night's positive work.

FSU's performance was good enough to threaten one of the ACC's top teams on the road, but not good enough to finish the job.

The Seminoles showed resilience, received one of Daniels' best performances of the season and battled a rival into double overtime. Yet untimely turnovers, missed opportunities in key situations and defensive breakdowns against Miami's stars prevented Florida State from securing what would have been its biggest win of the year.

In the end, the effort was encouraging. The result, however, was another painful loss in a season running out of opportunities for moral victories.

Nov. 13: at Pittsburgh , 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)

Nov. 27: vs. Florida , 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday)

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you'd like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get