Football is a funny game, but there was nothing hilarious about what happened when Florida State rolled into Dallas to face SMU. Most people expected the Seminoles to eventually find their footing after a shaky start to 2024. Instead, they walked right into a buzzsaw. SMU didn't just win their first-ever ACC conference game; they absolutely dismantled a program that was, just months prior, the king of the mountain.
It was a 42-16 beatdown that felt even more lopsided than the scoreboard suggested.
The atmosphere at Gerald J. Ford Stadium was electric. Sellout crowd. High expectations. For the Mustangs, this was the moment they had waited decades for—a seat at the big table. For FSU, it was a desperate attempt to save a season that was already spiraling out of control. Honestly, by the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the only thing left for the 'Noles was a quiet flight back to Tallahassee and a lot of uncomfortable questions for Mike Norvell.
The Night the Mustangs Took Over the ACC
If you were looking for a turning point in the SMU transition to "big-time" football, this was it. Kevin Jennings, the Mustangs' quarterback, played with a level of poise that made FSU’s veteran defense look like they were chasing ghosts. Jennings wasn't just managing the game; he was carving it up. He finished with 254 yards and three touchdowns, looking every bit the part of an elite ACC starter.
Basically, SMU beat FSU at their own game.
They were faster, more physical, and significantly more disciplined. Brashard Smith was a problem all night long. He gashed the Florida State defensive line for 129 yards on the ground. When the Seminoles tried to stack the box, Jennings just went over the top. The flea-flicker touchdown to Jordan Hudson for 42 yards? That was the dagger that signaled SMU wasn't just happy to be there—they were there to take over.
The stats tell a grim story for Florida State:
- Total Yards: SMU 458, FSU 297
- Rushing Yards: SMU 204, FSU 75
- Third Down Conversions: SMU 8-of-15, FSU 3-of-12
- Turnovers: FSU 3 (all interceptions), SMU 1
You can't win football games when you're averaging less than three yards a carry. You certainly can't win when your quarterback is handing the ball to the other team like it’s a gift-wrapped present. DJ Uiagalelei had a rough night, to put it mildly. Three interceptions, including a back-breaking 82-yard pick-six by Kobe Wilson that effectively ended the contest.
The Breakdown of the FSU Collapse
Why did Florida State look so lost? It’s the question every fan has been screaming into the void. Coming off an undefeated regular season in 2023, the drop-off has been historic. Literally. They became the first team in the College Football Playoff era to go from a 10-win season to a 10-loss season.
The offensive line, once a strength, couldn't create a single lane for Lawrance Toafili. DJU struggled with accuracy, finishing 12-of-30. It’s hard to run a "multiple" offensive scheme when you can't complete a screen pass or hold a block for more than two seconds.
There were brief moments of life. A blocked field goal by Shyheim Brown gave them a flicker of hope. A safety late in the second quarter cut the lead to 14-9 at the half. But the second half was a total eclipse. SMU came out of the locker room and scored 28 points while FSU managed just seven. RJ Maryland, the Mustangs' star tight end, snagged two touchdowns and broke the school record for career scores at his position. It was a clinic.
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Why Florida State vs SMU Still Matters
This game wasn't just a fluke result in a weird season. It was a power shift. SMU used this win as a springboard to an 11-3 season and an eventual trip to the ACC Championship game. They proved that the "Death Penalty" era is ancient history and that they can compete with—and beat—the traditional powers of the Southeast.
For Florida State, the Florida State vs SMU game was the final proof that the 2024 roster wasn't just "underperforming." It was fundamentally broken.
The aftermath was a bloodbath in the coaching offices. Norvell eventually fired both his offensive and defensive coordinators. He brought in Gus Malzahn to run the offense and Tony White for the defense. They are trying to rebuild the culture from scratch, but the scars from that night in Dallas still itch.
What We Learned (The Hard Way)
- Quarterback play is everything. Kevin Jennings was efficient and protected the ball. DJ Uiagalelei did not. That was the game.
- The ACC has changed. SMU isn't a "mid-major" team wearing a new jersey. They have the NIL resources and the coaching staff to stay at the top.
- Returning production is a myth. FSU lost a lot of talent to the NFL, but the guys who stayed or transferred in didn't mesh. Team chemistry matters more than star ratings on a recruiting site.
If you’re looking back at this matchup, don't just look at the score. Look at the body language. By the middle of the fourth quarter, SMU players were celebrating like they belonged. FSU players looked like they wanted to be anywhere else.
Actionable Insights for the Future
If you're betting on or analyzing these teams moving forward, keep a few things in mind. SMU has established a blueprint: high-tempo offense combined with a defense that thrives on takeaways. They led the nation in non-offensive touchdowns for a reason. They play aggressively because they trust their athletes to make plays in space.
Florida State is in a total "reset" mode. Do not expect them to bounce back just because of the name on the helmet. Watch the trenches. Until they can run the ball for more than 100 yards consistently, their passing game will continue to be a disaster.
Next time these two meet, the narrative will be different. SMU won't be the underdog. FSU won't be the "defending champ" everyone is trying to take down. It’ll just be two programs trying to figure out who actually owns the new-look ACC. For now, that crown belongs in Dallas.
Key takeaway for fans: Watch the turnover margin. In the 2024 game, SMU was +2. In nearly every game SMU won that year, they won the turnover battle. It’s their DNA. For FSU, the focus has to be on the offensive line. If they can't protect the QB, it doesn't matter if Patrick Mahomes is back there. They need to get back to basics: blocking, tackling, and holding onto the football.