Miami's defense bent but didn't break in one of the wildest finishes college football has seen this season. The Hurricanes needed two overtimes to dispatch Florida State 43-35 on Saturday night, surviving at least two Hail Mary attempts from the Seminoles that easily could have ended differently.
Darian Mensah orchestrated the offensive firepower, throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns. That production carried Miami through regulation and into the extra periods where the game turned into a circus of desperation heaves. FSU had chances to end it with long-bomb theatrics, but Miami's secondary held when it mattered most.
This wasn't a dominant performance from No. 3 Miami. The Hurricanes survived more than they dominated. FSU, whatever's happening in Tallahassee these days, showed fight and came agonizingly close to pulling off the shocker. They didn't get it done though, and now they're left staring at another loss in a season that keeps sliding away.
For Miami, it's a win that'll look ugly on tape but count the same in the standings. These are the games that matter come bowl season. FSU heads home searching for answers after squandering a chance to upset a top-three team.