SMU Sends Statement Against Florida State
The football game on September 28, 2024, between the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs and the Florida State Seminoles marked a significant moment for both teams, particularly for SMU as they made their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) debut. The Mustangs emerged victorious with a commanding score of 42-16, showcasing a well-rounded performance that highlighted their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.
Game Overview
The match took place in Dallas, where SMU played in front of a packed home crowd. The Mustangs started strong, with Brashard Smith scoring the first touchdown on a 13-yard run just minutes into the game. Florida State quickly responded with a touchdown of their own, as quarterback DJ Uiagalelei connected with Kentron Poitier for a 9-yard pass, leveling the score at 7-7 in the first quarter.
As the game progressed, SMU began to take control. Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw three touchdown passes, including a notable 42-yard flea-flicker to Jordan Hudson. Jennings completed 16 of 23 passes for a total of 254 yards, demonstrating both accuracy and poise under pressure. The Mustangs’ offense was further bolstered by rushing touchdowns from Smith and Roderick Daniels Jr., who scored from 13 and 2 yards out, respectively.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, SMU was formidable, recording three interceptions against Florida State. Kobe Wilson’s interception return for an 82-yard touchdown was particularly impactful, showcasing his speed and agility as he navigated through defenders to reach the end zone. This interception contributed to a broader trend of struggles for Florida State’s offense throughout the game.
Florida State’s offensive performance continued to falter as they struggled to establish a ground game, averaging only 2.9 yards per carry and finishing with just 75 rushing yards on 26 attempts. Uiagalelei completed 12 of 30 passes for 222 yards but was marred by three interceptions that hampered any momentum the Seminoles attempted to build.
Second Half Dynamics
The second half saw SMU outscore Florida State 28-7, further solidifying their dominance. The Mustangs capitalized on key mistakes by the Seminoles, including a safety resulting from a botched snap that sailed over the punter’s head into the end zone. This sequence exemplified Florida State’s ongoing issues this season, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Implications and Looking Forward
With this victory, SMU improved to a record of 4-1 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, while Florida State fell to 1-4 overall and remains winless in conference play at 0-3. The loss adds pressure on Florida State as they prepare to face Clemson next week, while SMU looks to build on this momentum against Louisville.
In summary, the game served as a statement win for SMU in their ACC debut, showcasing their capability to compete at this level while highlighting ongoing challenges for Florida State that need addressing as they move forward in the season.
