FSU opens ACC play with a road clash at Virginia, setting the stage for a battle between 2 explosive offenses. The Seminoles (3-0) are coming off back-to-back scoring bonanzas, racking up 700 yards, including a statement win over Alabama. On the flip side, Virginia (3-1) is riding high after a 48-20 win over Stanford, with their only setback coming against NC State. Although FSU owns the all-time series 15-4, the last matchup in 2019 ended in a 31-24 loss in Charlottesville. And now, in a dramatic double-overtime rematch, the Cavs edged the Seminoles 46-38. But despite the win, Virginia faces a heavy price due to penalties under the ACC’s compliance rules.

Before the Seminoles even left the field, Virginia fans poured onto the turf, storming the field in celebration. But that celebration didn’t sit well with the ACC. Under the conference’s new event security rules, any field storm triggers a fine, and the first offense comes with a $50,000 price tag. So, while the Cavaliers secured a huge win, they may also pay the price: $50,000 for violating the ACC’s banned act. But how did Virginia pull off the win?

Virginia’s win against FSU was possible because of a sensational performance from QB Chandler Morris. After a back-and-forth first OT, Morris bulldozed into the end zone for a TD in the second OT, marking his third rushing score and 5th TD of the night, capped by a successful 2-point conversion. Meanwhile, FSU nearly extended the battle, but a juggling catch by Duce Robinson was overturned, and an end-zone interception ended their hopes. Basically, the Cavaliers wore down the Seminoles with patient, methodical drives, ranging from 12 to 16 plays, that controlled the clock and the game’s momentum. Morris finished 26-of-35 for 229 yards with two passing TDs, while Thomas Castellanos threw for 254 yards and two picks. That means Virginia’s mix of smart passing and punishing ground attacks carried the day. But what does this loss mean for FSU?

FSU’s loss couldn’t have come at a worse time. Just a week away from hosting Miami, the defeat shifts momentum firmly toward the Hurricanes and shakes up the conference race. Although starting the season unranked, they jumped into the AP Top 25 with a win over Alabama. But now the Seminoles sit 0-1 in ACC play, leaving their title hopes hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, Virginia is quietly making a case as a serious contender in a wide-open league.

Virginia finds itself in rare territory. Since their Orange Bowl run in 2019, the Cavaliers haven’t sniffed the postseason, and Tony Elliott’s recent squads have struggled to post a winning record. Now, with just 2 victories needed for bowl eligibility and no ranked teams left on the schedule, Virginia has a golden opportunity to make a statement this season. Here’s the buzz following Virginia’s most electric field storm ever.

Experts weigh in on Virginia

Nearly 3 decades after Virginia handed Bobby Bowden his first ACC loss, the Cavaliers delivered another shocker. This time to a hot FSU team trying to rebound from a rough 2024. But the Noles fell at home, sparking one of the most frenzied field celebrations of the season. Even Castellanos’ final heave couldn’t salvage the moment, landing right into the chaos around WR Squirrel White as fans stormed the turf. After that, the reactions started to pour in.

Barstool Sports’ Connor Griffin summed it up perfectly, stating, “VIRGINIA! HAVE YOURSELF A NIGHT. An A+ field storm, too. Just a BEAUTIFUL way to start this loaded college football weekend.” But the Cavaliers’ fans weren’t alone in their excitement. CFB enthusiasts across social media lit up as the upset unfolded.

Social media went wild. Virginia football itself celebrated with: “HOOS WIN HOOS WIN HOOS WIN HOOS WIN.” Joshua Chovan added: “Virginia with the coolest crowd storming I’ve ever seen. This could be the start of the greatest weekend of college football in history…” Honestly, the Cavaliers’ victory and the ensuing field storm will be remembered as one of the scariest moments of the 2025 season.