Mike Norvell was left frustrated after Florida State suffered a controversial 43-35 defeat to Miami in double overtime, with two late officiating decisions wiping out the Seminoles’ apparent attempts to extend the game.

The Florida State head coach questioned the officials after his side came close to upsetting the third-ranked Hurricanes, particularly after a holding penalty erased a touchdown before a disputed interception ended the contest.

Norvell also claimed Florida State had faced the same officiating crew in consecutive meetings with Miami, although official box scores list different crews for the two games.

Mike Norvell questions officials after Florida State’s controversial loss to Miami

Asked what the officials told him about the final play, Norvell gave a blunt response: “I didn’t get an explanation.”

He also questioned the decision to penalise offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin for holding, which wiped out a touchdown pass from quarterback Ashton Daniels to Micahi Danzy on fourth-and-21.

Florida State was then left facing fourth-and-31. Daniels threw towards the end zone again, with Duce Robinson and Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald contesting the ball before it hit the ground.

Officials ruled that Fitzgerald had intercepted the pass. The decision was reviewed but stood, ending Florida State’s hopes of forcing another overtime period.

ESPN rules analyst Steve Shaw backed the decision during the broadcast, explaining that the replay did not provide enough evidence to overturn the on-field ruling. However, the footage still left room for debate over which player had control of the ball first.

Norvell was not satisfied with how the game ended, but he also acknowledged that Florida State had opportunities to make the difference earlier.

“I watched the replay,” Norvell said. “I mean, at the start of football, it’s a tie. It goes to the receiver, but I guess they had a different angle. There are plenty of plays, but just to have that outcome come down to a play.”

He added: “I’m grateful for our guys and the way they battled. I didn’t get an explanation. But at the end of the day, you got to make those critical plays.”

Florida State had rallied to force overtime after Daniels connected with Robinson for a 75-yard touchdown late in regulation. However, the defeat leaves the Seminoles at 3-4 and extends their losing streak against Miami to three games.

Norvell’s side showed greater fight than in its previous defeat to Louisville, but the result adds further pressure as Florida State looks to recover during the remainder of the regular season.