news

Seminoles blown out in lifeless loss

Vaseline September 29, 2024

In a season full of shame, Florida State football has reached a new low.

The Seminoles were routed 42-16 at SMU on Saturday night, falling to 1-4 after starting the season ranked 10th nationally.

The 42 points were the most allowed by the FSU defense since a 63-3 loss to Georgia in last season’s Orange Bowl and the most allowed in the regular season since a 48-16 loss to Louisville in 2020.

The game also marked the Mustangs’ debut in the ACC.

The Seminoles defense struggled to contain the Mustangs on the first drive of the game. SMU went on an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive that included three third-down conversions.

FSU responded with a touchdown drive, led by DJ Uiagalelei who went 3-of-4 for 70 yards. A 50-yard pass to Ja’Khi Douglas put the Seminoles in the red zone. Uiagalelei found Kentron Poitier for the score two plays later.

After the defense forced a stop, Uiagalelei threw an interception, his fourth of the season. SMU scored after the interception, with a 42-yard flea flicker from Kevin Jennings to Jordan Hudson putting the Mustangs ahead.

FSU’s offense failed to capitalize on a 12-play, 78-yard drive at the end of the half. Getting the ball on the SMU two-yard line, the Seminoles rolled the dice on fourth down. Instead of kicking a short field goal, Uiagalelei led a quarterback keeper, who was stopped and forced a turnover on downs.

The Seminoles got a safety after forcing a punt, giving SMU a 14-9 lead at the half.

On the second play of the second half, Uiagalelei threw a pass to Kyle Morlock, who bobbled his pass and punched it in the air, allowing SMU to get its second interception of the day. The Mustangs scored three plays after the turnover, with Jennings finding RJ Maryland tight end.

SMU outscored FSU 28-7 in the second half. Uiagalelei threw a touchdown pass to Landen Thomas in the third quarter, his first as a Seminole.

A pick-six in the fourth quarter led to Uiagalelei being replaced by Brock Glenn.

Here are the takeaways from FSU’s 42-16 loss to SMU.

FSU’s offenses remain an inconsistent mess

The Seminoles were once again an inconsistent mess on offense. FSU started the game with an efficient seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive and fell apart after a Uiagalelei interception in the second quarter.

The veteran quarterback was 5-of-7 before the interception. After the turnover, he completed just seven passes, one for a touchdown, and threw two interceptions before being replaced by Glenn.

Glenn went 0-for-4 in his two drives, spending most of his time on the ground after taking hits from SMU’s defense.

After FSU failed to find the end zone on fourth down at the SMU 2-yard line, the offense lost all momentum. Outside of Thomas’ touchdown, the Seminoles’ next four drives with Uiagalelei under center ended in two interceptions and two punts.

Drops, turnovers and silly penalties plagued the offense, as they have all season.

The offensive line could not protect the quarterbacks and did not allow the running backs to create gaps.

With 297 yards of total offense, it was perhaps the Seminoles worst offense this season. It’s the eighth straight game FSU has recorded fewer than 300 yards of offense.

An explosive SMU offense slices open the Seminoles defense

The Seminoles defense came into the game on a high note, putting together two solid performances against Memphis and Cal. However, SMU opened up FSU’s defense like a turkey on the Thanksgiving table.

The Mustangs recorded 469 total yards of offense, the second consecutive 400-yard game allowed by the defense. SMU recorded 254 passing yards and 213 rushing yards.

The struggle against the run and inability to hold coverage allowed SMU to do whatever it wanted against the Seminoles.

FSU’s defense allowed SMU to convert eight of fifteen third downs, and FSU was unable to set the lead or create pressure for the Mustangs’ offense.

Jennings went 16 of 23 for 254 yards and three touchdowns before being rested in the fourth quarter. Brashard Smith recorded 129 rushing yards on 17 carries and scored one touchdown.

Lack of quality, sloppy mistakes from veteran FSU players

The Seminoles couldn’t get out of the way.

Whether it was the Morlock bobble that led to the interception or the Uiagalelei scramble, FSU’s veterans fell apart.

An Omarion Cooper facemask on a punt after a three-and-out gave SMU an automatic first down. The Mustangs then scored a touchdown. FSU had 10 penalties for 79 yards.

There was a lack of quality in the approach, something that has been present all season.

It felt like the Seminoles were giving up on certain plays as effort was at its lowest point this season.

Mike Norvell rode with his veteran starters until late in the fourth quarter, and that decision did nothing for FSU. The only score and best moment in the second half came from Thomas, a true freshman.

FSU had few redeeming moments in its most embarrassing loss since the Orange Bowl against Georgia.

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter @__liamrooney