Rivalry has been defined by late-game comebacks, heartache

As Florida State and Miami gear up for their upcoming matchup, WPTV.com reflects on some of the most notable victories for Miami in the history of their rivalry.

‘Wide Right I’

On November 16, 1991, the top-ranked Florida State Seminoles faced off against the second-ranked Miami Hurricanes in a Sunshine State showdown at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Despite the Hurricanes taking an early lead with a 74-yard opening drive and a touchdown by fullback Stephen McGuire, FSU rallied back, capitalizing on three Miami turnovers to secure a 10-7 halftime lead. The game climaxed with a potential game-winning 34-yard field goal attempt by FSU’s Gerry Thomas, which sailed wide right. This infamous moment, known as “Wide Right I,” became a part of college football history, and Miami went on to share the national championship with Washington.

‘Wide Right II’

The sequel occurred on October 3, 1992, at the Miami Orange Bowl. Florida State scored first with a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, but Miami, undefeated at the Orange Bowl since 1985, responded with a field goal and a touchdown pass from Gino Torretta to Coleman Bell, taking a 10-7 lead at halftime. Despite FSU’s efforts to extend their lead with field goals, Miami tied the game and took the lead again with a touchdown. In the final moments, another potential game-tying field goal by FSU’s Dan Mowrey sailed wide right, repeating the haunting scenario of the first encounter. This game became known as “Wide Right II.”

‘Wide Right III’

On October 7, 2000, the eighth-ranked Miami Hurricanes faced the second-ranked Florida State Seminoles at the Miami Orange Bowl. Florida State, on a 17-game winning streak, aimed for back-to-back national championships, while Miami was recovering from NCAA sanctions. The Seminoles rallied from a 17-0 halftime deficit, taking the lead with a late touchdown pass from Chris Weinke to Atrews Bell. However, Miami’s quarterback Ken Dorsey responded with a game-winning touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey. In the final seconds, a potential game-tying field goal by FSU’s Matt Munyon sailed wide right, giving rise to “Wide Right III.”

Hurricanes’ Breakthrough

On October 7, 2017, the Hurricanes snapped a seven-game losing streak against FSU, winning for the first time since 2009. Trailing 3-0 at halftime, Miami secured a 24-20 victory with late-game heroics, including a game-winning touchdown pass from Malik Rosier to Darrell Langham.

Historic Comeback

On October 6, 2018, the 17th-ranked Miami Hurricanes staged a historic comeback against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Overcoming a 27-7 deficit in the third quarter, Miami secured a 28-27 victory, marking their first home win against FSU since 2004. The 20-point comeback was the largest in the history of the rivalry.