Following a massive upset, UVA takes down the number eight-rated FSU Seminoles. The HOOs started the game with a 14-0 lead, which was quickly followed up on by three straight touchdowns by the Seminoles to put them up 21-14 just before the half due to the execution of the Noles’ defense. UVA comes back on the next drive and sends the HOOS all nodding up at 21 going into the half. Both teams came out of halftime on fire and kept exchanging scores on back-to-back possessions, sending the game into overtime. At the end of double overtime, the HOOS come up with a huge interception, which results in a MASSIVE field storming, leaving a handful of people injured and pepper spray being ejected.
Friday night’s game consisted of multiple notable players on both sides of the ball and for both teams. First, let’s start with UVA. Starting with the passing aspect, Chandler Morris had a huge day with a completion percentage of 26/35, completing for 229 yards and two huge touchdowns. Speaking on the rushing aspect of UVA’s offense, there was one major standout who was a threat on inside and outside runs. J’Mari Taylor was responsible for 27 carries for 99 yards total, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Virginia’s receiving core played a key part in the defeat of the Seminoles, with Trell Harris taking in three receptions for 45 yards. Florida State had multiple offensive weapons that were present on the night of the game. The main offensive threat was Duce Robinson, who had 9 receptions for 147 yards, averaging 16.3 yards per reception. The HOOS struggled to stop him when on defense, being a nightmare for them all night.
Nineteen people were sent to the UVA Health University Medical Center after sustaining injuries during the field storm. The cause of the injuries was not disclosed due to the health system policy. Although the injuries were not specified, it was likely due to people being trampled by the record-fast field rush. Florida State wide receiver Squirrel White was caught in the field rush after being taken down from the interception by Virginia defensive back Ja’Son Prevar. Florida State later confirmed that White is okay and did not receive any injuries after being trampled by UVA fans.
After the field rush, UVA was fined $50,000 for violating the league’s “event security policy”. The new policy states that the first offense will result in a $50,000 fine, the second offense will result in a $100,000 fine, and for subsequent offenses within a two-year rolling period will be handed a $200,000 fine will be imposed, with money ultimately going to a postgraduate scholarship fund. The ACC added this security fine this year to make an attempt to stop field storms from happening to increase safety protocols. Obviously, with the nature of college football fans, this is likely not going to stop them, as it is a very big tradition across the nation. Florida State was fined the same amount earlier in the year after it upset Alabama.
Virginia head football coach Tony Elliot was very happy postgame, but had some issues that he wanted to make sure that he expressed to the press. Elliot stated, “I hope that nobody got injured; you don’t want to see that. I hate that I didn’t get a chance to shake coach Norvell’s hand, because I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for him and what he has done for that program.” Elliot expressed to the press that the storming of the field could’ve resulted in serious injuries for the players. The Seminoles in 2024 were ranked in the preseason top 25 standings, but did not end up showing that their talents were what they were expected to be. The Seminoles finished the 2024 season with a whopping 2-10 record, leaving fans and students upset and questioning, “What went wrong?” The respect that Elliot portrays to coach Norvell comes from the significant change that he has created within the FSU football community to make them an AP top 25 team despite the crushing loss to the Cavaliers.
In conclusion, the victory from the WAHOOS resulted in the Seminoles plummeting to 18th on the AP polls ranking, while UVA moved up to 24 after being unranked before the game. While the NCAA might take action in trying to prevent field storming from happening, it won’t stop the fans of these Universities from rushing the field after they accomplished upsetting one of the best teams in the nation.
