Miami running back Graig Cooper makes a fourth-quarter touchdown catch to tie the game against Florida State Monday, The Hurricanes upset the No. 18 Seminoles 38-34.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Bobby Bowden was absolutely certain that victory was imminent. Florida State had time for one final play, two yards separating the Seminoles from topping archrival Miami and getting the season off to a flying start.

"No doubt in my mind," Bowden said.

By now, shouldn't he really know better?

The program that has given Bowden more sleepless nights than any other struck again Monday night. Ailing arm and all, Jacory Harris threw for 386 yards — including a 40-yard pass over double coverage to Travis Benjamin that set up Graig Cooper's 3-yard touchdown run with 1:53 left — and led Miami past No. 18 Florida State 38-34 in a wild, back-and-forth game that both sides called a classic.

"It was a great game, though," Bowden said. "I guess it sounds funny to hear a losing coach say that."

That last play was a pass that Florida State's Jarmon Fortson nearly scooped atop the garnet-colored grass in the end zone as time expired. Fortson argued to no avail, replay officials confirmed that he didn't have the ball, and Miami (1-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) flooded the field that bears Bowden's name in celebration.

"Whew!" was the first sound Miami coach Randy Shannon made as he left the joyous locker room.

Really, no other words were necessary.