Dysfunction in Dallas: FSU fails due to road loss to SMU

Florida State's offensive disruption was a heavy carry-on for the team's first road trip.

DJ Uiagalelei threw two touchdown passes, one each to Kentron Poitier and Landen Thomas, but he also threw three interceptions in SMU's 42-16 victory over the Seminoles. The third interception was returned 82 yards for a touchdown, and the second interception passed the hands of tight end Kyle Morlock, ultimately setting up another touchdown.

Uiagalelei was also stopped on fourth-and-goal at the SMU 2 as the Seminoles failed to get a push on run plays on third or fourth downs in the second quarter.

SMU led 14-9 at halftime but scored touchdowns on three straight drives. A drive was extended with the advantage of a Darion Williamson facemask on a fourth-down punt that gave the ball back to SMU.

Mustangs fans taunted the Seminoles with the Warchant as SMU took control in the fourth quarter.

“We have to step up and fix it,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “Tonight there were far too many mistakes, penalties that cost us, longer drives. Big plays that were taken off the board due to poor technique, resulting in penalties. When we started to get things going, or had opportunities to get things going, or had opportunities to get things going, we often hurt ourselves.”

FSU (1-4, 1-3 ACC) scored the most points in September but also gave up the most points in a regular season game since 2022.

SMU converted three straight third-down conversions on its first drive, perhaps an early indication that it would be a long night for FSU. Kevin Jennings threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns while the Mustangs ran for 160 yards.

The only positive for FSU: Alex Mastromanno averaged 49.8 yards per punt, including a 67-yarder that was erased on a hold call.

FSU's dysfunction isn't just at the QB

The Osceola staff has long said coach Mike Norvell should play Brock Glenn – as a starter or backup – in some role in recent weeks. Glenn actually (apparently) only came into action after Uiagalelei jammed a finger.

No quarterback could solve FSU's myriad offensive problems, from pass protection to drive-killing drops. But Uiagalelei completed just 12 of 30 passes and it was difficult for the Seminoles to establish a running game.

Aside from Lawrance Toafili, who had 15 carries for 67 yards, there wasn't much consistency in the ground game. And when the scoreboard got out of control, there was little chance of running.

FSU's defense held up (somehow) before the floodgates opened

The Seminoles picked up some early sacks and stopped two quick SMU drives early. There was some positivity early on, and it continued on special teams as Shyheim Brown blocked a field goal attempt and SMU's long snapper passed the punter.

SMU simply overwhelmed FSU in the second half, scoring 21 points on offense (one thanks to the short field) and also capitalizing on the interception return for a touchdown.

FSU only had three productive drives with five three-pointers. The time of possession got out of control and the defense couldn't keep up.

Notables

FSU committed 10 penalties for 79 yards.

Ja'Khi Douglas entered Saturday with 961 career receiving yards. He scores 50 points on this catch-and-run. He has now passed the 1,000 mark in his FSU career.

The Seminoles started (from left) Darius Washington, TJ Ferguson, Maurice Smith, Keiondre Jones and Jaylen Early on the offensive line.

FSU had just 297 offensive yards – falling below 300 again for the fifth straight game in 2024.

Availability report

Guard Richie Leonard did not play for unknown reasons.

Uiagalelei left the game in the fourth quarter due to injury.