Virginia Upsets No. 8 Florida State in Thrilling Double Overtime

Virginia’s football team delivered a stunning upset on March 15, 2024, defeating No. 8 Florida State 46-38 in a gripping double-overtime thriller at Scott Stadium. The game concluded dramatically when Florida State quarterback Tommy Casetellanos threw a last-minute pass into the end zone that was intercepted, sealing Virginia’s victory.

In the immediate aftermath, Virginia fans surged onto the field, celebrating wildly and overwhelming the area where Florida State’s receiver, Squirrel White, lay on the turf. Witnesses reported that the rush resulted in several fans being injured, with at least one requiring a stretcher for assistance. Thankfully, no players or coaches were reported to have sustained injuries during the chaotic celebration.

Florida State’s head coach, Mike Norvell, expressed relief that his team appeared unharmed. “I’m not sure of any issues,” he stated. “We got everybody in the locker room.” Meanwhile, Virginia coach Tony Elliott shared his regret at not being able to speak to Norvell or the Florida State players post-game. “I hope that nobody got injured,” he remarked. “You don’t want to see that. I hate that I didn’t get a chance to go shake Coach Norvell’s hand, because I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for him and what he’s done with that program.”

Celebration Policy and Safety Concerns

The incident has drawn attention to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) new policy regarding field stormings. This policy, instituted over the summer, imposes escalating fines on schools for such actions. The first infraction results in a fine of $50,000, the second $100,000, and any subsequent occurrences within a two-year period will incur a fine of $200,000. All penalties will contribute to the conference’s postgraduate scholarship account.

Florida State was previously fined under this policy after their season opener against Alabama, marking the first instance of enforcement since the guidelines were introduced. The recent incident at Virginia may spark further discussions about fan safety and the conduct of celebrations following significant victories.

As the season progresses, both teams will focus on their upcoming matches, with Virginia looking to build on this significant win and Florida State aiming to regroup after a tough loss. The excitement surrounding college football remains palpable, with fans eager for the next round of thrilling matchups.