FSU LOST IN HEARTBREAKER
The level of stress that was associated with Florida State football's loss to the Virginia Cavaliers by a score of 46-38 in double overtime was unreal. The contest had so many twists and turns, and the Seminoles continued to battle offensively even when the odds were stacked against them.
Florida State had 516 total yards and was able to move the football at will against Virginia's defense, but self-inflicting penalties that put them behind the chains and turnovers remained costly. There were times when the Seminoles could have put pressure on the Cavaliers, such as when Florida State potentially have a chance to score on its second possession to tie the game at 7.
The offense didn't play a perfect game by any means, but the mental lapses hurt Florida State. We all know about quarterback Thomas Castellanos fourth-down throw to tight end Randy Pittman Jr. to send the contest to overtime, but another play should be discussed.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Florida State got the football first on offense in the overtime period. This was a moment to put a touchdown on the board to put pressure on the Cavaliers, especially after Pittman Jr. had the incredible game-tying catch.
The Seminoles were faced with a third-down and 3 in the opening drive of overtime, and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn dialed up a perfect screen pass to running back Gavin Sawchuk, but Castellanos threw the football at his feet, and the former Oklahoma running back transfer couldn't corral it.
Florida State elected to kick the 36-yard field goal with kicker Jake Weinberg. If the talented signal-caller put the football on Sawchuk's jersey number, it would have been a walk-in touchdown because Virginia's defense wasn't ready for the screen pass.
This is not suggesting that Florida State's defense would've stopped them, but the Seminoles had confidence after defensive back Ja'Bril Rawls secured the interception to go to overtime. This would have been a perfect opportunity to put pressure on Virginia and end this game in overtime.