For the third time in coach Mike Norvell’s five seasons, Florida State finds itself at a dismal 1-4 start, with at least three losses in the opening four games. This time, the Seminoles fell to SMU in their ACC debut, with the Mustangs cruising to a 42-16 victory on Saturday night before a sellout crowd at Ford Stadium in Dallas.
SMU dominated from start to finish, and quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered a career-best performance, passing for 254 yards and three touchdowns. His precision in key moments proved too much for Florida State’s defense, which allowed the most yards it has conceded all season (467 total yards).
Jennings connected twice with tight end RJ Maryland on touchdown throws of 11 and 15 yards and later pulled off a trick play—a flea-flicker for a 42-yard score to Jordan Hudson. Jennings completed 16 of 23 passes, showcasing poise and confidence in the Mustangs’ first conference game since joining the ACC. On the flea-flicker, receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. tossed the ball back to Jennings, who lofted a perfect pass down the middle to a wide-open Hudson, who smoothly backpedaled into the end zone.
But the highlight of the game came from SMU’s defense. Linebacker Kobe Wilson delivered a game-breaking play with an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown. After making the pick between the hash marks, Wilson raced down the right sideline, broke a tackle near midfield, and hurdled a teammate on his way to the end zone, adding insult to injury for the struggling Seminoles.
SMU’s balanced offensive attack kept Florida State off guard all game. Brashard Smith, a transfer from Miami, led the Mustangs’ rushing attack with a season-high 129 yards, including a 13-yard rushing touchdown. Smith had to sit out most of the second quarter due to an injury but returned to bolster SMU’s offensive push in the second half. Roderick Daniels Jr. also added a 2-yard rushing touchdown, capping a drive that was extended by a critical facemask penalty on FSU’s Omarion Cooper.
For Florida State, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei struggled throughout the game, completing just 12 of 30 passes for 222 yards. He threw three interceptions, including the one returned for a touchdown by Wilson. Uiagalelei did manage to connect on two touchdown passes, a 9-yard strike to Kentron Poitier and a 20-yard score to tight end Landen Thomas, but those were not enough to overcome the Seminoles’ overall lackluster play. Uiagalelei was eventually replaced by Brock Glenn in the closing minutes.
The Seminoles also managed to score on a bizarre safety in the first half’s closing moments. Forced to punt from their 9-yard line, SMU long snapper Will Benton IV sent the ball sailing over the head of punter Isaac Pearson, resulting in two points for Florida State. Despite the momentary lift from the safety, it was clear that the Seminoles were no match for SMU on this night.
This latest defeat adds to the mounting pressure on coach Mike Norvell, whose tenure at Florida State has been marred by inconsistent performances and missed opportunities. With a 1-4 overall record and 1-3 in the ACC, Florida State’s hopes for a successful season continue to slip away.
Meanwhile, SMU (4-1, 1-0) is off to a flying start in their new conference, proving they belong in the ACC with a dominant all-around performance in their first official conference game. The Mustangs look to build on this momentum as they seek to compete for the ACC title in their debut season.
For Florida State, questions continue to swirl as the Seminoles search for answers to salvage a season that seems to be spiraling out of control.
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