CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. _ A crazy finish that featured three consecutive Virginia defensive penalties for big yards gave Florida State life with less than a minute to play, but the Seminoles could not complete the drive and were stopped at the goal line as time expired
The No. 25 Cavaliers (3-0, 2-0 ACC) escaped with a 31-24 win over the Seminoles (1-2, 0-1 ACC).
For the second consecutive week, it looked like Florida State would earn a win due to a missed extra point, but UVA delivered one more drive.
Down 24-17, the Cavaliers marched down the field and took advantage of two costly penalties on FSU. The Seminoles were hit with a facemask call and a personal foul during that drive, helping the Cavaliers get deep in the red zone before they punched the ball in for the 1-yard score.
Brian Delany then missed the first extra point of his career after previously making 37 in a row and the Seminoles got the ball back with about six minutes left to play and a 24-23 lead.
FSU quickly went three-and-out and UVA got the ball back with about four minutes left to play. The Cavaliers moved down the field with ease as quarterback Bryce Perkins completed a few big passes. FSU defensive back Renardo Green was called for targeting on the drive and Virginia founds itself facing first-and-goal at the seven-yard line. The Cavaliers scored a few plays later. Perkins scrambled before racing to the left sideline and reaching the end zone for a successful two-point conversion, giving the Cavaliers a 31-24 lead.
Florida State pushed Virginia, but Seminoles star tailback Cam Akers collected the ball on the Virginia 4-yard line and was stuffed for no gain as time expired.
FSU quarterback Justin Blackman was 22-of-37 passing for 234 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Akers managed just 78 yards on 18 carries and did not score against the stout Virginia defense.
The Seminoles' top players traded jabs with the Cavaliers much of the night.
Perkins orchestrated an 11-play, 75-yard drive during which he completed all nine of his passes and tied the game up at 17-17 with 14:15 left in the game.
FSU's offense found a rhythm and responded with a 75-yard scoring drive of its own in 2:33 to take the 24-17 lead. Blackman found Keyshawn Helton, who started in place of suspended DJ Matthews, from 17 yards out to complete the drive.
Florida State will return home to face improved Louisville (2-1).
