Chandler Morris Stats vs. FSU: Breaking Down His Epic 2025 Upset

Chandler Morris’s stats vs. FSU in 2025—five touchdowns, 229 passing yards, and a historic upset. Dive into the numbers and what they mean for Virginia’s season.

Chandler Morris lit up the college football world on September 26, 2025, leading Virginia to a jaw-dropping 46-38 double-overtime upset over No. 8 Florida State. His stats from this game—five total touchdowns, gritty plays despite injuries—have fans buzzing and analysts rethinking Virginia’s season. This article dives into Morris’s performance, unpacking the numbers, context, and what they mean for his career and the Cavaliers. For college football enthusiasts hungry for insights, this breakdown offers a front-row seat to a game that’s still trending. Curious about what made this night unforgettable? Let’s dig in.

The Game That Stole Headlines: Virginia’s Historic Win

Florida State, a powerhouse with a top-tier defense, hadn’t allowed a single rushing touchdown all season. Enter Chandler Morris, Virginia’s quarterback, who turned that stat upside down. On a humid night in Tallahassee, the Cavaliers pulled off their first road win against a top-10 team since 2019, thanks to Morris’s heroics. The final score—46-38 in double overtime—doesn’t fully capture the rollercoaster. Morris accounted for five touchdowns, battled through injuries, and delivered under pressure against a Seminoles squad favored to dominate.

The game’s stakes were huge. Virginia, sitting at 3-1, needed a statement to prove they’re more than an ACC underdog. Morris, a transfer with a winding career path, became the story. His stats tell part of it, but the intangibles—like shrugging off a battered shoulder and a banged-up hand—paint a fuller picture. Imagine a quarterback, limping but laser-focused, threading passes and diving for yards in OT. That’s the kind of grit that had X posts exploding with #ChandlerMorris.

Practical Tip for Fans: Want to catch every angle of games like this? Use apps like ESPN or ACC Network’s mobile platforms to watch live stats and highlights in real-time. It’s a game-changer for tracking players like Morris during big moments.

Chandler Morris Stats vs. FSU: The Numbers That Shined

Passing: Efficiency with a Side of Risk

Morris completed 26 of 35 passes for 229 yards, tossing two touchdowns but also three interceptions—a career high for picks in a single game. Those 26 completions gave him a 74.3% completion rate, aligning with his season-long efficiency (around 70% through five games). His touchdown passes included a 15-yard laser to Malachi Fields in the third quarter and a 22-yard dart to Trell Harris in the fourth, both slicing through FSU’s secondary. The interceptions, though, were costly: two in the first half let FSU stay in it, and a third in the fourth nearly derailed the comeback.

Despite the picks, Morris’s poise stood out. Facing a defense ranked 12th nationally in pass efficiency, he averaged 6.5 yards per attempt. Posts on X praised his “calm under fire,” especially on third downs, where he converted 7 of 14 attempts. For context, FSU’s secondary had only allowed 180 passing yards per game before this. Morris didn’t just meet the challenge—he rewrote the script.

Rushing: The Unexpected Game-Changer

Here’s where Morris shocked everyone. Known more for his arm, he ran eight times for 37 yards and three touchdowns—his first multi-rush-TD game at Virginia. FSU’s run defense, which hadn’t given up a rushing score all year, was stunned. His scores included a 6-yard scamper in the second quarter, a 3-yard plunge in the fourth, and the game-sealing 4-yard run in double OT. That final run, with a sore shoulder and taped-up hand, had fans on their feet and analysts calling it “Heisman-worthy grit.”

Virginia’s 211 total rushing yards as a team (averaging 5.3 yards per carry) owe much to Morris’s mobility and play-calling from coach Tony Elliott. Picture a QB sneaking through gaps, dragging defenders for extra yards—that’s Morris defying his 6-foot, 185-pound frame. His ability to extend plays scrambled FSU’s game plan, opening lanes for backs like Xavier Brown.

Practical Tip for Aspiring QBs: Study dual-threat QBs like Morris by watching game film on platforms like Hudl. Practice read-option plays in drills to mimic his ability to keep defenses guessing.

Overall Impact: Five TDs and a Statement

Morris’s five total touchdowns (two passing, three rushing) tied his career high from the previous week’s 52-20 rout of Stanford, where he also racked up 399 total yards. Against FSU, his 266 total yards (229 passing, 37 rushing) weren’t eye-popping in volume but were clutch in impact. He led Virginia to 30 first downs and 457 total offensive yards, shredding a defense that averaged just 320 yards allowed per game. His third-down conversions and red-zone efficiency (4-for-5) kept drives alive, critical in a game that went to double OT.

The downside? Those three interceptions raised eyebrows. Analysts on ESPN noted they stemmed from overaggressive reads, like a second-quarter pick-six that gave FSU a 14-7 lead. Yet, Morris’s ability to bounce back—leading a 10-play, 75-yard drive right after—was what coaches call “next-play mentality.” Ever wonder what separates good QBs from great ones? It’s moments like these, where mistakes don’t define the game.

Context Matters: Morris’s Journey to This Moment

Morris’s performance didn’t come out of nowhere—it’s the latest chapter in a winding career. A former four-star recruit, he started at Oklahoma in 2020, backing up Spencer Rattler. After limited snaps, he transferred to TCU (2021-22), then North Texas (2023-24), where he led the AAC with 3,774 passing yards and 31 touchdowns last season. Now at Virginia, his fifth school in six years, he’s found a home under Tony Elliott, a coach with ties to his dad, Chad Morris (former Clemson OC). This family connection adds a layer—imagine the pride Chad felt watching his son torch FSU.

Injuries have been a constant hurdle. A shoulder tweak in Week 1 against Wake Forest and a hand injury during the FSU game tested his resilience. Yet, Morris played all 78 snaps, a testament to his toughness. His 2025 season stats—1,187 passing yards, 11 TDs, 6 INTs, and 142 rushing yards through five games—show a QB hitting his stride. The FSU game, though, was his loudest statement yet, vaulting Virginia to 4-1 (2-0 in ACC) and into bowl eligibility talks.

Practical Tip for College Football Fans: Follow beat writers like UVA’s Ahmad Hawkins on X for insider takes on players like Morris. Their posts often reveal locker-room vibes and stats you won’t find in box scores.

Why This Game Matters Beyond the Stats

A Turning Point for Virginia

Virginia’s program has been rebuilding under Elliott, who faced heat after a 3-9 debut in 2022. This win, the biggest of his tenure, flips the narrative. Morris’s stats against FSU—229 passing yards, 37 rushing, five TDs—powered a team effort that included 14 receptions from Malachi Fields and 88 rushing yards from Kobe Pace. The Cavaliers’ 46 points were the most FSU allowed since 2023. This wasn’t just a W; it was a signal that UVA could crash the ACC’s upper tier.

Social media lit up with praise. ESPN’s post calling Morris “a star in the making” got 14,000 likes, while ACC Network highlighted his “fearless” play. Fans on X are already eyeing the October 4 matchup against Wake Forest, wondering if Morris can keep this magic going. What’s your take—can Virginia ride this momentum to a bowl game?

Morris’s Rising Star

Morris’s performance has sparked Heisman chatter, though he’s a long shot. His dual-threat style draws comparisons to QBs like Jalen Milroe, blending pocket presence with sneaky speed. PFF College ranked him No. 47 in their QB power rankings entering Week 5, but this game could bump him higher. His transfer portal journey—OU, TCU, North Texas, now UVA—shows resilience, a trait that resonates with fans. Hypothetically, picture a kid watching Morris fight through pain to win; it’s the kind of story that inspires young athletes.

The buzz isn’t just about stats. Morris’s leadership—calming his team after early turnovers, rallying in OT—earned locker-room respect. Teammates like Fields called him “a dog” in postgame interviews, a nod to his fight. For a guy who’s been doubted at every stop, this game was a middle finger to the skeptics.

What’s Next for Morris and UVA?

Morris’s stats vs. FSU—26/35, 229 yards, two passing TDs, three rushing TDs, 37 rushing yards—set a high bar. With Wake Forest next, he’ll face a defense that’s softer against the run (allowing 4.8 yards per carry). If he cuts down the picks, he could post another monster game. Virginia’s 4-1 start has bowl projections swirling—think Music City or Pinstripe Bowl. Morris’s ability to stay healthy will be key; his shoulder and hand need monitoring.

The bigger picture? This game put Morris on NFL radars. Scouts love his arm talent and mobility, though his 6-foot frame and interception-prone moments raise questions. For now, he’s UVA’s heartbeat, carrying a team that’s defying odds. The 2025 season, with its transfer-portal chaos and NIL deals, rewards players like Morris who bet on themselves.

Practical Tip for Sports Bettors: Check prop bets on platforms like DraftKings for Morris’s next game. Look for “over” on rushing yards if Wake’s front seven struggles—his FSU game shows he’s a sneaky runner.

Final Thoughts: A Game for the Ages

Chandler Morris’s stats vs. FSU—five touchdowns, 266 total yards, and a fearless double-OT performance—cemented his place in Virginia lore. This wasn’t just a stat line; it was a career-defining night that flipped the script for a program and a player. From his pinpoint passes to gutty runs, Morris showed why he’s trending in 2025. The numbers tell the story, but the heart behind them steals the show. What’s your favorite moment from this upset? Drop it in the comments and keep the CFB convo alive! Check out the links below for highlights and more.