Miami survives Florida State — and makes its case for No. 1

By Victory Pulse · Published October 18, 2026
Game played Saturday, October 17, 2026

FINAL / DOUBLE OVERTIME · No. 3 is Miami’s entering-game AP ranking.

Miami survived its rivalry test, beating Florida State 43–35 in double overtime to improve to 6–0 overall and 4–0 in the ACC. With No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Notre Dame losing Saturday, the Hurricanes have a clear opportunity to reach the top of the next poll.

Malachi Toney caught 11 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. In the second overtime, he caught the go-ahead touchdown and threw the ensuing two-point conversion to Cooper Barkate. Bryce Fitzgerald ended the game with an interception.

The numbers that matter

Miami: 6–0. Toney: 11 receptions, 154 yards, two receiving touchdowns. Final: 43–35 in two overtimes.

The Victory Pulse view: Miami gets our vote

Victory Pulse projection: Miami should be No. 1. The Hurricanes were already third, remain unbeaten and found a way through a rivalry game on a night when both teams above them lost.

That is a ranking argument, not a claim that Saturday was a dominant performance. Ohio State’s win at Indiana and BYU’s victory over Notre Dame deserve serious consideration. Our choice is Miami, with its unbeaten record carrying the deciding weight.

Projected No. 1 is Victory Pulse editorial opinion. This article does not announce an official AP ranking.