close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

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

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 on Saturday night before a sellout crowd in their ACC debut.

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

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

Wilson made the interception between the hash marks, ran to the right sideline, broke a tackle and interfered with 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. Daniels’ score ended a drive that continued when FSU’s Omarion Cooper was called for a facemask penalty on the Mustangs’ punt from their 26-yard line.

DJ Uiagalelei went 12-for-30 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 closing minutes.

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

THE TAKEAWAY

Florida State continues to struggle locally. The Seminoles entered the game averaging 67.75 rushing yards per game, fourth fewest among FBS teams. They gained 75 on 26 attempts, averaging 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 will host Clemson on Oct. 5, where Uiagalelei played his first three collegiate seasons before spending 2023 at Oregon State.

SMU plays the first of three consecutive ACC road games against Louisville on Oct. 5.

___

Receive poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season long. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll And https://apnews.com/hub/college-football