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Florida State’s offensive struggles intensify in 42-16 loss to SMU Mustangs
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Florida State’s offensive struggles intensify in 42-16 loss to SMU Mustangs

The Florida State Seminoles capped a three-game homestand last weekend with a 14-9 win over Cal, snapping their 0-3 start to the season. The ‘Noles faced the SMU Mustangs on the road with a chance to build a winning streak.

Instead, Florida State was swept off the field by the Mustangs in a 42-16 loss. The Seminoles were outscored 28-7 in the second half on a lifeless Dallas effort. The offensive struggles continued and Brock Glenn even saw his first action of the season after DJ Uiagalelei was injured, but that didn’t matter as FSU fell to 1-4 on the season.

SMU got the kick, Breshard Smith got the Mustangs started on the ground and quarterback Kevin Jennings moved SMU into Florida State territory. Smith reached the end zone with a 13-yard rush to put the first points on the board of the evening.

Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei responded with an 11-yard pass to wide receiver Hykeem Williams, followed by another 50-yard catch and run to wide receiver Ja’Khi Douglas to put them in SMU territory. Wide receiver Kentron Poitier scored the first points for the ‘Noles on a nine-yard touchdown reception to make it 7-7.

READ MORE: FSU Football reacts to SMU Mustangs’ Opening-Drive TD

The FSU defense held strong with a sack of defensive end Joshua Farmer and linebacker Blake Nichelson. Defensive tackle Grady Kelly recorded another sack on the next play, forcing the first punt for the Mustangs.

Uiagalelei threw his fourth interception of the season on the next drive on a pass intended for Jalen Brown. The misfire led to another Mustang touchdown from Jennings to receiver Jordan Hudson from a 42-yard pass, giving SMU its second lead.

The Mustangs tried to pull away with a 27-yard field goal from kicker Collin Rodgers, but safety Shyheim Brown was able to get a hand on it to keep SMU off the board. Florida State was able to add two more points before halftime with an awkward snap on a punt that turned into a safety and entered the half trailing 9-14.

Uiagalelei threw his second interception to start the half on a pass intended for tight end Kyle Morlock, giving SMU positive field position. Two plays later, Jennings found RJ Maryland for an 11-yard touchdown to put the Mustangs up 21-9.

The Mustangs got into a rhythm and Jennings found Maryland for a 15-yard score to make it a 19-point game. SMU was able to drive down the field on passes to Smith and Maryland, who had xx scores on the night.

Florida State tied the score at two scores with a 20-yard touchdown pass to true freshman Landen Thomas of Coulquit County High School on passes to Darion Williamson and Toafili to move the ball down the field. Seminole’s defense held strong late in the third quarter, forcing a three-and-out on a batted pass from linebacker Omar Graham, Jr.

It looked like the Mustangs put the nail in the coffin early in the fourth on a one-yard rush from Roderick Daniels, aided by a special teams penalty after a pinpoint three-and-out.

A final pick six made by Elijah Roberts gave SMU all the confidence they needed to close out the game. Uiagalelei finished the night with 222 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Quarterback Brock Glenn entered the game in vain, as the game was already out of hand. The Mustangs continued to bring the house to rattle the redshirt freshman, and it was already written in stone that the ‘Noles would move to 1-4 (1-3 ACC) this season.

The Seminoles will look to bounce back before hosting No. 17 Clemson at home on Oct. 5 at Doak Campbell Stadium.

READ MORE: Florida State will not have veteran offensive guard against SMU

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