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| Sep 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas (0) runs through Southern Methodist Mustangs safety Ahmaad Moses (3) and cornerback Jaelyn Davis-Robinson (13) during the first quarter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images |
The Florida State Seminoles took on the SMU Mustangs on September 28, 2024, in a matchup that did not go well for the Seminoles. The Mustangs, who entered the game with momentum from a recent shootout victory, dominated Florida State, finishing with a decisive 42-16 win. This game marked a critical point for both teams, with SMU continuing their strong start to the season, while Florida State struggled to find consistency.
First Half: SMU Sets the Tone
The game kicked off with a flurry of activity from both teams. SMU drew first blood with a 13-yard touchdown run by Brashard Smith, giving the Mustangs an early 7-0 lead. Florida State responded quickly when DJ Uiagalelei connected with Kentron Poitier for a 9-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 by the end of the first quarter.
However, the second quarter began to reveal the cracks in Florida State's armor. SMU’s quarterback Kevin Jennings fired a 42-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Hudson, putting the Mustangs ahead 14-7. Florida State’s attempt to narrow the gap was met with a blocked field goal, and they missed out on a key scoring opportunity. The Seminoles only managed a safety late in the second quarter, going into halftime trailing 14-9.
Second Half: SMU's Offense Fires on All Cylinders
The third quarter was where SMU really took control of the game. A key moment came early when Uiagalelei threw an interception, setting SMU up on Florida State’s 11-yard line. Jennings capitalized on this opportunity, finding wide receiver Romello Maryland for an 11-yard touchdown pass, extending SMU's lead to 21-9. Jennings struck again with another touchdown pass to Maryland, bringing the score to 28-9. Florida State managed to pull off a 20-yard touchdown pass to LaDarius Thomas, cutting the lead to 28-16, but that would be their final score of the game.
In the fourth quarter, SMU continued to pile on the points. They sealed the victory with two more touchdowns, including another impressive passing play from Jennings. Florida State was unable to mount any further offense, and the game ended with a 42-16 blowout in favor of SMU.
Key Players and Performance
For SMU, Kevin Jennings had a standout game, completing 16 of 23 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Brashard Smith was another crucial player for the Mustangs, racking up 179 all-purpose yards and scoring a touchdown.
Florida State, on the other hand, struggled offensively. DJ Uiagalelei threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns but was hindered by two critical interceptions. Running back Lawrance Toafili was one of the bright spots for the Seminoles, managing 89 total yards, but it wasn’t enough to offset the team’s overall difficulties.
Takeaways: A Tale of Two Teams
This game was a turning point for both programs. For SMU, the victory solidified their position as a rising force in the ACC, showcasing both their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. Jennings' performance under center and Smith's dynamic contributions on the ground and through the air gave SMU the edge they needed to cruise to a win.
For Florida State, the loss exposed several issues. Their defense had trouble containing SMU’s explosive offense, and the offense itself struggled with consistency, especially in key moments. The loss dropped Florida State to 1-4 on the season, leaving them in a tough spot moving forward.
Conclusion
The Florida State vs. SMU game demonstrated just how volatile college football can be. SMU’s potent offense, led by Jennings and Smith, overpowered a Florida State team that struggled to find its rhythm. As both teams move deeper into their respective schedules, SMU will be riding high on this victory, while Florida State will need to regroup and address their shortcomings if they hope to turn their season around【6】【7】.
The game is a reminder of the importance of preparation, execution, and the ability to capitalize on your opponent’s mistakes in high-stakes matchups. Both teams will undoubtedly be looking ahead, but for now, this game will serve as a significant benchmark in their 2024 campaigns.
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