FSU suffers a power outage both off the field in their ACC opening loss to SMU
Florida State’s ACC opener turned into a long, strange night at Doak Campbell Stadium. A nearly two‑hour power outage delayed the matchup, and when the lights finally returned, FSU couldn’t generate enough of their own. No. 19 SMU escaped Tallahassee with a 27‑24 win on Monday, powered by Kevin Jennings’ career‑best 430 passing yards and a poised final drive that ended with Nick Reed’s 20‑yard field goal with 21 seconds left.
SMU steadies itself after chaos and turnovers
Jennings overcame two interceptions to deliver one of the most productive performances of his career, completing 26 of 36 passes and throwing three touchdowns. He connected on a 50‑yard strike to Jalen Cooper and a 10‑yard touchdown to Randy Pittman, a former Seminole who made his return to Tallahassee count. SMU piled up 585 yards and converted eight of fourteen third‑down attempts, showing resilience after the blackout and their own early mistakes.
Coach Rhett Lashlee praised Jennings’ composure, noting how the junior quarterback balanced explosive throws with timely runs. The Mustangs also executed two scoring drives in the fourth quarter, demonstrating the efficiency that has fueled their rise in the ACC.
Florida State battles but can’t finish
Florida State found success on the ground behind Ousmane Kromah, who posted his second straight 100‑yard game with 116 yards and a seven‑yard touchdown. Ashton Daniels added a 39‑yard touchdown pass to Samuel Singleton Jr. and an eight‑yard scoring run, helping the Seminoles build early momentum.
But the passing game sputtered, and protection issues resurfaced. Florida State failed to convert its first ten third‑down attempts and finished just two of fifteen. The defense produced two second‑half interceptions and forced a muffed punt, but the offense couldn’t capitalize enough to overcome SMU’s late surge.
Coach Mike Norvell lamented missed opportunities, pointing to breakdowns in pass protection and inconsistency in key moments.
Up next
SMU returns home to face UC Davis on Saturday. Florida State enters a bye week before traveling to No. 13 Alabama on September 19.
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