News Summary
The University of Virginia clinched a thrilling 46-38 victory over eighth-ranked Florida State in double overtime, marking their first win against a top 10 opponent since 2005. The match ended with a chaotic field-storming celebration that led to 19 fans being treated at the hospital. Virginia’s quarterback, Chandler Morris, showcased an outstanding performance with five total touchdowns. As a result, the university is set to face a challenging upcoming game against Louisville while enjoying its first AP poll ranking since 2019.
Charlottesville, Virginia – The University of Virginia achieved a historic football win against eighth-ranked Florida State, clinching a 46-38 victory in double overtime on Friday night. This win marks Virginia’s first triumph over a top 10 opponent since 2005 when they also defeated Florida State.
In the last moments of the game, a chaotic field-storming occurred, raising safety concerns as thousands of fans rushed the field in celebration. A total of 19 individuals were treated at UVA Health University Medical Center following the incident. However, the university spokesperson did not provide details on the severity of the injuries or confirm whether all those treated were involved in the post-game stampede.
To manage the situation and ensure community safety, the University of Virginia Police Division collaborated with local and state law enforcement agencies. Their efforts aimed to maintain order amidst the celebratory chaos that erupted after Virginia’s significant win.
The field-storming incident could also lead to financial penalties from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The penalties for rushing the field are $50,000 for the first offense, $100,000 for a second offense, and $200,000 for a third offense. This was, notably, the first time fans have stormed the field after a game during head coach Tony Elliott’s time at the university.
Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris had an impressive game, contributing to the victory by accounting for five total touchdowns. The match was intense, with Florida State executing a late rally to tie the game. A touchdown pass from Florida State’s Tommy Castellanos to Randy Pittman Jr. brought the score level with only 32 seconds remaining in regulation time. In the second overtime, Florida State’s final play concluded with an interception by Ja’Son Prevard in the end zone, sealing Virginia’s victory.
The triumphant win not only brought euphoria to Virginia fans but also placed the team in contention for the ACC Championship. It marked a significant milestone as Virginia earned its first Associated Press (AP) poll ranking since 2019. The game also turned out to be one of the most-watched sporting events over the weekend on ESPN, with an average viewership of 4.4 million.
Looking ahead, the University of Virginia has its sights set on the upcoming challenge against Louisville, a recognized strong competitor within the ACC. Coach Elliott has acknowledged Louisville’s capabilities, describing them as a confident team with a potent offense, which will present a tough challenge for Virginia as they aim to build on their recent success.
Key Highlights
- Virginia’s victory marks its first win over a top 10 team since 2005.
- The chaotic field-storming incident resulted in 19 individuals being treated at the hospital.
- The University of Virginia Police worked alongside local and state law enforcement to maintain safety.
- Financial penalties from the ACC for field-storming could reach up to $200,000.
- Chandler Morris accounted for five touchdowns in the game.
- The game average viewership on ESPN was 4.4 million.
- Virginia is preparing to face a strong Louisville team in their next matchup.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cultura Tallahassee Exhibit Celebrates Hispanic Artistry
FSU Alumnus Launches Innovative Parking App for University Events
University of Virginia Hosts Key Football Game
University Football Showdown: Florida State vs. Virginia
Tallahassee Hosts a Weekend of Festivals: Film, Food, and Music
Florida State University Seminoles Prepare for Challenging Season
University Teams Highlighted at 2025 ACC Kickoff in Charlotte
Florida State University Welcomes Commitment from Four-Star Wide Receiver
Florida State University Football Recruiting Sees New Commitments
Beloved Educator Savannah Day Passes Away, Leaving Legacy in Education
Additional Resources
- On3: Florida State Virginia Film Breakdown
- 247Sports: Virginia’s Upset Win Highlighted
- SI: Virginia’s Big Win Draws Huge TV Audience
- ESPN: Florida State Falls Victim to Trap Game
- Wikipedia: University of Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.