Florida State’s offense had been cruising along, a mix of efficient and electric en route to leading the nation in scoring, found a new gear for three quarters on Saturday night: Neutral.

Tommy Castellanos tossed a pair of interceptions, both resulting in Miami touchdown drives, and No. 19 FSU also had a fumble in a 28-22 loss to No. 3 Miami before a sold-out crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Miami led 28-3 before FSU mounted a rally that never really threatened the outcome considering the 25-point deficit, and the lack of recovering an onsides kick. But it again showed the Seminoles were willing to fight to the finish.

“We fell behind early where there were some untimely penalties, mistakes that we made that was just a little too much to overcome there in the end,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “I thought our guys battled in the fourth quarter. I believed throughout that we would get a spark, that we would start to put it together. But unfortunately it was too little too late and weren't able to come out on top.”

A week after focus and turnovers were a problem for FSU with three turnovers at Virginia, the sloppy plays again popped up.

Castellanos’ fourth-down interception in the second quarter led to a long Miami return and a quick-strike touchdown. Ousmane Kromah also fumbled away, although FSU’s defense stopped the drive. Another fumble, by Duce Robinson, was quickly recovered by Randy Pittman.

FSU’s run game was held to 124 yards on 36 carries. The Seminoles had surpassed 230 rushing yards in their four previous games.

While FSU trailed 28-3 going into the fourth quarter, the Seminoles rallied for a pair of scoring drives.

Castellanos connected with Lawayne McCoy on an 8-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 28-11 with 10:04 left in the game. Micahi Danzy had the two-point conversion run.

Pittman finished with a career-best seven catches for 39 yards — including a 15-yard reception on fourth down deep in Miami’s territory — and a few plays later he grabbed a 6-yard touchdown catch to cut the deficit to 28-19 with 3:22 to go (Castellanos connected with Lawayne McCoy on a two-point conversion pass).

FSU also added a Jake Weinberg 35-yard field-goal attempt with 20 seconds left.

But after each of FSU’s scores in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles could not recover the onsides kick.

Castellanos was forced to throw throughout the second half to help FSU rally. He finished 25 of 45 for 272 yards. His 45 pass attempts is a career high.

The Seminoles also suffered their first significant offensive line injury, with right tackle Micah Pettus leaving the game due to injury. Jacob Rizy was inserted into the game at right guard, while Adrian Medley slid out from guard to tackle.

Norvell said after the game that he didn’t have an update on Pettus, but coach also didn’t think the injury was long term.

Pitch and catch

Carson Beck had plenty of time to throw throughout the game behind Miami’s massive offensive front. Beck tossed four touchdown passes — of 44 and 40 yards to Malachi Toney and 24 and 4 yards to CJ Daniels.

The Georgia transfer completed 20 of 27 passes for 241 yards.

Early turning point

Norvell elected to take a timeout and then go for it on fourth-and-8 from the Miami 41. In a 7-3 game, the decision proved costly and hurt the Seminoles.

Castellanos forced the ball downfield and it was intercepted by Bryce Fitzgerald, who returned it 43 yards to the FSU 44. That set up a Beck 44-yard touchdown pass to Toney on a flea flicker.

Lee Corso honored

FSU alum and retired ESPN analyst Lee Corso was honored by FSU during a break in the first half. He was also honored at halftime, with Corso watching from the box with longtime broadcaster colleagues Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit.

Injury report

Safety Ashlynd Barker did not play due to an injury he suffered against Virginia. KJ Kirkland started in his place.

Defensive back Quindarrius Jones also went off to the locker room with an injury.

Seminoles return to Doak

Dalvin Cook, Charlie Ward, Casey Weldon, Jared Verse, Jordan Travis among the Seminoles’ alumni who returned for FSU-Miami. Michael Irvin was also among the Hurricanes on the sideline.

Up next

FSU (3-2, 0-2 ACC) plays host to Pittsburgh on Saturday at noon. The Panthers routed Boston College 48-7 with true freshman Mason Heintschel a surprise starter at quarterback, helping guide Pitt to 31 first-half points.

Miami (5-0, 1-0) has a bye next week.

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