Florida State coach Mike Norvell called the holding penalty that negated a Hail Mary touchdown in the second overtime against Miami "an absolute joke" during his Monday news conference. The flag, called on offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin, wiped out a 36-yard touchdown pass from Ashton Daniels to Micahi Danzy and left the Seminoles with one final chance to tie the game.
On fourth down from the Miami 46-yard line, Daniels threw for 6-foot-6 Duce Robinson in the end zone. Miami safety Bryce Fitzgerald went up with him, and the two landed in a tangle with their hands on the ball. Officials ruled it an interception on the field. In a two-minute replay review with the ACC command center in Charlotte, officials focused on whether Fitzgerald had control and never discussed simultaneous possession. Norvell said he spoke with ACC supervisor of officials Gary Patterson about both plays.
"You've got two guys going up for a catch and they both come to the ground, simultaneous possession -- that has to be a part of the discussion," Norvell said. ESPN rules analyst Steve Shaw, who was on the broadcast, agreed with the call, saying the defender's hands were clearly on the ball when they went down.
Miami won 43-35 in double overtime on Saturday night. Florida State is now 3-4 heading into its open date, with five games left that could help determine Norvell's future. Norvell brushed aside questions about his job, saying, "I know the expectation I have each and every week. It's to go win. That's my focus."
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing