SMU dominates struggling Florida State 42-16 to win its ACC debut

DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Jennings passed for three touchdowns and Kobe Wilson returned one of three SMU interceptions 82 yards for a score as the Mustangs beat Florida State 42-16 in their ACC debut in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday night.

Jennings threw TD passes of 11 and 15 yards to RJ Maryland and a flea flicker score of 42 yards to Jordan Hudson.

Jennings was 16-for-23 passing for 254 yards.

Wilson made the interception between the hash marks, ran to the right sideline, broke a tackle and crossed a teammate while being escorted to the end zone.

Brashard Smith and Roderick Daniels Jr. scored rushing touchdowns for the Mustangs (4-1, 1-0) from 13 and 2 yards, respectively. Daniel’s score ended a drive that continued when FSU’s Omarion Cooper received a facemask penalty on the Mustangs’ punt from the 26-yard line.

DJ Uiagalelei was 12 of 30 passes for 222 yards, three interceptions and TD passes of 9 yards to Kentron Poitier and 20 yards to Landen Thomas for Florida State (1-4, 1-3). Uiagalelei was replaced by Brock Glenn in the final minutes.

The Seminoles also scored a safety in the final seconds of the half when long snapper Will Benton IV sailed the ball over Isaac Pearson’s head and beyond the end zone, forcing a punt from SMU’s 9.

THE TAKEAWAY

Florida State continues to fight on the ground. The Seminoles entered the game averaging 67.75 rushing yards per game, the fourth-fewest among FBS teams. They gained 75 on 26 attempts, an average of 2.9 yards per carry, and were led by Lawrence Toafili with 67 yards.

SMU leads FBS with five non-offensive touchdowns this season – two interception returns, two fumble returns and one punt return.

NEXT

Florida State hosts Clemson on Oct. 5, where Uiagalelei played his first three college seasons before spending 2023 at Oregon State.

SMU will play the first of three straight ACC road games against Louisville on Oct. 5.

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