Just when it seemed like Florida State football was taking a step forward, it took 42 steps back at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Saturday’s loss to SMU.
The Seminoles suffered a 42-16 defeat in their first-ever ACC game against the Mustangs. They returned to their losing streak with three losses, were impotent in SMU’s offense and were coached by Rhett Lashlee.
The Seminoles were trailing and couldn’t get out of the game after beating SMU. FSU drops to 1-4 on the season and 1-3 in the ACC. FSU lost at least three of its first four games for the third time in coach Mike Norvell’s five seasons.
There were many reasons for this catastrophic loss of road.
Here are the grades the Seminoles received after the loss.
F crime
FSU’s offense is still weak, but what else is new? The Seminoles played flat, keeping their scoring average in the teens and total yards below 300.
DJ Uiagalelei completed his career-worst three steals, which will double the number of steals made on the season.
All three turnovers turned into points, including an 82-yard pick-six. He completed 12 of his 30 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
Much like last week against Cal, Uiagalelei had a strong first series as he completed the first three of four passes, including a nine-yard pass to wide receiver Kentron Poitier.
While Uiagalelei will continue to catch stray criticisms, Saturday’s loss belonged to everyone around the senior point guard.
The offensive line, missing starting guard Richie Leonard IV, put pressure on Uiagalelei all night long. The running game was of no consequence as he gained just 63 yards on the ground.
The receivers and foreign players did their job, constantly missing passes. Ja’Khi Douglas led the way with two receptions and 61 yards. Brock Glenn took the lead late in the fourth quarter, going 0-for-4.
F defense
The FSU defense didn’t show up.
After playing two straight games of physical football and not allowing a touchdown in last week’s win over Cal, the defense has given up over 400 yards in consecutive games.
Unlike Cal, however, SMU scored from those yards.
FSU has always had a reputation for struggling with mobile quarterbacks, and SMU’s Kevin Jennings is no exception.
Jennings finished the night throwing for three touchdowns, along with 16 touchdowns on 23 passing and 254 yards.
The run defense didn’t help SMU running back Brashard Smith, who rushed for 129 yards on 17 carries and scored a rushing touchdown.
FSU struggled with open field receptions and continually gave up explosive plays, especially on third down, where SMU was 8-of-15 on third-down conversions.
FSU last allowed more than 35 points in the regular season against the Florida Gators in 2022.
Special Teams B
The special teams weren’t perfect, but they still finished with a positive rating after five straight games. Best special team play went to safety Shyheim Brown.
The junior blocked a field goal in the second quarter, preventing a two-possession game, and FSU still trailed 14-7. What lowered FSU’s grade from an A to a B was Omarion Cooper’s facemask call on the 4th and 9th punt.
A costly penalty extended the advantage to 15 yards and ultimately scored on a tackle by Roderick Daniels Jr. FSU also recovered its first turnover after Daniels Jr. he accidentally returned the ball with a punt.
Coaching F
Norvell’s game plan backfired, and so did his offense. While the execution of the offense remains inconsistent, so does its play.
With the score 14-7 at the two-yard line, Norvell’s decision to not just rush to 4th, score and take advantage of the quarterback on back-to-back plays was questionable.
Uiagalelei failed to get into the end zone, leaving points on the board. Some would consider settling for a field goal or a less predictable play.
The Seminoles looked like they were unprepared and out of sync all night long. They allowed 10 penalties for 79 yards.
FSU 2024 football schedule: TV channels, dates and start times
- Saturday, August 24: vs. Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) lost 24:21
- Monday, September 2: v. Boston College* | 19:30 | ESPN (Fubo) Lost 28-13
- Saturday, September 7: Goodbye
- Saturday, September 14: vs. Memphis | South | ESPN (Fubo) Lost 20-12
- Saturday, September 21: vs. Cal* | 19:00| ESPN2 (Fubo) won 14-9
- Saturday, September 28: in SMU* | 20:00 EST | AKC Network
- Saturday, October 5: vs. No. 14 Clemson*
- Saturday, October 12: Goodbye
- Friday, October 18: in Duke* | 19:00 | ESPN2 (Fubo)
- Saturday, October 26: at number 19 in Miami*
- Saturday, November 2: v. North Carolina*
- Saturday, November 9: at No. 7 Notre Dame | 19:30 | NBC (Fubo, Paw)
- Saturday, November 23: v. Charleston Southern
- Saturday, November 30: v. Florida
- Saturday, December 6: ACC Championship Game (Charlotte, NC)
All time Eastern
BOLD = ACC
* = Neutral place
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State track and field for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him by email at PHolland@Gannett.com or X @_Da_pistol.
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