The Cavaliers, who now improve to 4-1 on the season, matched nearly their entire win total from the previous year, when they finished 5-7. Under the lights at home, the matchup saw both teams trading blows, but it was Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris who stole the show, racking up five total touchdowns. His decisive four-yard touchdown run in the second overtime, followed by a successful two-point conversion to Trell Harris, proved to be the difference-maker for the Cavaliers. Running back J’Mari Taylor added 99 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Xavier Brown contributed an additional 60 yards on the ground.
The game reached its climax when Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos, attempting to keep the Seminoles’ hopes alive, was intercepted in the end zone by Virginia defensive back Ja’Son Prevard. Prevard’s game-sealing pick sent the stadium into a frenzy, with fans pouring onto the field to embrace players and coaches. The celebrations were intense, with at least one supporter climbing the goal posts, and the Cavaliers’ sideline erupting in joy. Images of Prevard being hugged by teammate Donavon Platt and fans swarming the field quickly made rounds on social media, amplifying the moment’s significance.
Per ACC regulations, Virginia will face a $50,000 fine as a first-time offender for the field-storming, but that did little to dampen the spirits of the #GoHoos faithful. Head coach Tony Elliott, who has been working to rebuild the program, saw his team earn a signature win that not only snapped Florida State’s unbeaten start but also gave Virginia its first major upset in years. The Cavaliers have not enjoyed a winning season since 2019 and have not appeared in a bowl game since 2021, making this triumph particularly meaningful for the program and its supporters.
For Florida State, now 3-1, the loss is a significant setback and will likely see them drop out of the top ten in the national rankings. The game also highlighted the volatility of college football, where underdogs can topple giants on any given night.
For more comprehensive coverage and live updates on Virginia Cavaliers football, visit the Official Athletic Site of the Virginia Cavaliers and follow their latest updates on their official X page.