MIAMI - Antone Smith knew this play would decide the game. A third-and-20, late in the fourth quarter, Florida State clinging to a tenuous two-point lead and the rain-soaked Miami crowd desperate for a stop.

Smith rushed for a career-best four touchdowns, including the game-clincher with 3:57 remaining, and the Seminoles wasted most of an early 24-point lead before hanging on to beat the Hurricanes 41-39 on Saturday in a wet, wild classic -- the highest- scoring game in the series between Sunshine State rivals.

"That was one of the best Florida State-Miami games I never want to see again," said Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, who beat Miami for the 14th time in 34 chances since taking over in Tallahassee. "That was something."

Smith -- who scored three TDs last week -- finished with 92 yards on 27 carries for the Seminoles (4-1, 1-1 ACC), who handed Miami its second straight home loss. Christian Ponder ran for 144 yards, second-most ever by a Florida State quarterback, two shy of the mark set by Ken MacLean against Cumberland in 1946.

Miami allowed 281 yards on the ground, gave up scores on all six Florida State trips into the red zone -- and still almost rallied from a 24-0 deficit, getting within two points twice in the final quarter.

Travis Benjamin had an 18-yard touchdown run on an end-around, caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from running back Graig Cooper and finished with 274 all-purpose yards for Miami (2-3, 0-2), which has lost 12 of its past 15 ACC games.

The Hurricanes trailed 24-3 at the half and 31-10 in the third quarter, then closed to within 34-32 with eight minutes remaining. Two botched snaps on Florida State punts led to Miami points, and Sean Spence ran an interception in for a touchdown.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.