ACC fines Virginia $50,000 for fans storming field after win vs. Florida State

The ACC has fined Virginia $50,000 for its fans storming the field after the Cavaliers defeated Florida State 46-38 in double-overtime on Friday, the conference announced Saturday. It’s Virginia’s first offense since the ACC implemented new rules on storming the competition area this summer.

This marks UVA’s first fine for fans storming the field. For a school’s second offense, it is fined $100,000 and then $200,000 for any subsequent offenses.

“The elevated expectations for event security plans in men’s and women’s basketball and football will require that only student-athletes, coaches, officials, and authorized personnel are allowed in the competition area before, during, and at the conclusion of any competition,” the ACC wrote in a July statement. “Further, visiting team personnel and officials must have the opportunity to safely exit the competition area before spectators may access the competition area following a contest.

“Occurrences accumulate per school rather than per sport. Any fines will be put into the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship account.”

Fans were particularly concerned for Florida State wide receiver Squirrel White, who was immediately swarmed by Virginia fans when they stormed the field. However, On3’s Pete Nakos reported he was alright and re-joined his teammates shortly after.

White fell in the end zone on the final play of the game while attempting to make a game-tying catch and ultimately was unable to get to his feet before fans ran onto the competition area. These scenarios are what led the ACC to implement a field-storming fines this summer.

Of course, Virginia fans likely aren’t regretting their decisions. It was a stunning win for the Cavaliers, who finished last season with a 5-7 record.

It is only Virginia’s seventh win over a top-10 opponent in program history. Virginia’s last win over a top-10 foe was in 2023 against No. 10 North Carolina.

In the win, Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris completed 26-of-his-35 pass attempts for 229 yards and two touchdowns. While Morris threw three interceptions in the outing, he made up for it by logging three TDs in the ground game.

Morris was far from the only star for Virginia. Running back J’Mari Taylor also shined in the win, tallying 99 rushing yards and a touchdown. On defense, Virginia forced FSU to commit three turnovers, one of which was a game-ending interception.

It was a statement win for Tony Elliott, who many college football analysts considered to be on the hot seat entering this season. Now, the Cavaliers are 4-1 and don’t have a remaining opponent that’s currently ranked in the AP Top 25.

In Week 6, Virginia will look to keep its momentum rolling as it squares off against Louisville at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Cavaliers will be on the road for the ACC showdown.