 |
| SMU defeats Florida State 27-24 in a thrilling ACC matchup |
By [News By World Affairs]
September 8, 2026 | Updated September 8, 2026
SMU vs Florida State: No. 19 SMU Beats FSU 27–24 After Wild Night in Tallahassee
SMU vs Florida State ended with a 27–24 victory for No. 19 SMU over Florida State on September 7, 2026, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Kevin Jennings delivered a career-best 430 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Nick Reed kicked the game-winning 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining. The game was also delayed nearly two hours because of a stadium power outage, making the ACC matchup one of the most unusual games of the 2026 college football season.
The biggest individual story was SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings, who produced a career-best performance with 430 passing yards and three touchdowns. He completed 26 of 36 passes and repeatedly created explosive plays despite throwing two interceptions.
For Florida State, quarterback Ashton Daniels and running back Ousmane Kromah helped keep the Seminoles in the contest. Kromah rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, while Daniels threw for 125 yards and a touchdown and also scored on the ground.
But when the game reached its decisive moments, SMU found a way to finish.
Nick Reed's 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining gave the Mustangs the 27–24 victory.
SMU vs Florida State Score
The final score was:
No. 19 SMU 27, Florida State 24
The game was played at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, with SMU entering the contest ranked No. 19 in the Associated Press poll. SMU's official schedule listed the matchup as a Labor Day night game televised on ESPN.
The matchup was particularly interesting because these teams had already met in 2024, when SMU defeated Florida State 42–16 in the Mustangs' first ACC conference game. The 2026 meeting was therefore only the second contest between the programs.
This time, however, Florida State had home-field advantage and was determined to make the game considerably closer.
It did.
The Seminoles pushed SMU all the way to the final minute.
But SMU ultimately survived.
The Strange Beginning: A Power Outage Delays the Game
Before anyone could talk about touchdowns, quarterbacks or defensive matchups, there was another problem to solve.
The lights went out.
SMU and Florida State were scheduled to begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time, but a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium delayed the game by approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The scheduled kickoff was pushed back to approximately 9:15 p.m.
Reports indicated that an electrical short involving the stadium's main transformer caused the disruption.
The unusual circumstances created an atmosphere unlike a normal college football game.
Players had to wait.
Coaches had to adjust.
Fans had to remain patient.
And eventually, when the game finally began, the stadium was operating with limitations.
According to Reuters, the contest began without several normal stadium functions, including coach-to-player communication systems, sideline iPads, the public-address announcer and the normal scoreboard operation.
That made the opening night even more unusual.
The teams were not simply preparing for a normal nationally televised football game.
They were preparing to play football in the middle of a technical crisis.
And once the ball was finally kicked off, the game itself became another kind of chaos.
Kevin Jennings Becomes the Story of SMU vs FSU
If there was one player who defined the game, it was Kevin Jennings.
The SMU quarterback entered the season with significant expectations. SMU had already identified him as one of the leading returning quarterbacks in college football, and he came into 2026 with substantial experience as the Mustangs' starter.
Against Florida State, Jennings delivered perhaps his most eye-catching statistical performance yet.
He completed:
- 26 of 36 passes
- 430 passing yards
- 3 passing touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
The 430-yard total was a career high.
That number is particularly impressive considering the circumstances.
This was not a game in which SMU simply controlled everything from start to finish.
Florida State's defense forced turnovers.
The Seminoles recovered a muffed punt.
SMU made mistakes.
Jennings himself threw two interceptions.
Yet every time the game threatened to move away from the Mustangs, Jennings helped bring the offense back.
His ability to produce explosive passing plays became the defining offensive advantage in the game.
SMU's Explosive Passing Game
One of the clearest differences between the teams was the ability to create big plays through the air.
SMU finished with 585 total offensive yards, compared with Florida State's 324. The Mustangs' passing attack accounted for much of that difference.
Jennings repeatedly found opportunities downfield.
One of the early highlights was a 50-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Cooper.
Another touchdown went to Randy Pittman Jr., a former Florida State player, on a 10-yard scoring pass.
That added an interesting subplot to the matchup.
Pittman was familiar with Florida State.
Now he was helping defeat his former team.
But the biggest explosive pass of the night came later.
SMU broke the tie early in the fourth quarter with a 79-yard touchdown pass, giving the Mustangs a 24–17 advantage.
That play demonstrated exactly why Florida State's defense struggled to contain SMU.
The Seminoles could create turnovers, but SMU could create enormous chunks of yardage.
And when an offense can score from distance, a defense may not get many opportunities to recover from mistakes.
Florida State Refuses to Go Away
Despite being outgained by a huge margin, Florida State never allowed SMU to completely take control.
That is one of the most important aspects of the FSU vs SMU game.
Florida State had opportunities.
The Seminoles made defensive plays.
They forced SMU into mistakes.
And their running game repeatedly gave them a chance to stay within striking distance.
Florida State's defense ultimately forced four turnovers.
That is usually the recipe for winning a football game.
But the Seminoles could not fully convert those opportunities into points.
That became the difference.
Ashton Daniels Gives Florida State a Chance
Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels did not produce the passing numbers of Kevin Jennings, but he contributed in important ways.
Daniels finished the game:
12-of-23 passing for 125 yards and one touchdown.
He also scored a rushing touchdown.
Early in the game, Daniels helped Florida State put together a long scoring drive.
The Seminoles moved 75 yards on 14 plays, and Daniels finished the drive with an 8-yard rushing touchdown.
That score showed the different offensive approaches of the two teams.
SMU was extremely dangerous through the air.
Florida State relied more heavily on its running game and quarterback mobility.
And that strategy worked well enough to keep the Seminoles competitive.
Ousmane Kromah Has Another Big Game
Another major name in the Florida State football story was running back Ousmane Kromah.
Kromah carried the ball 22 times for 116 yards and one touchdown.
His performance was particularly important because Florida State struggled to match SMU's passing production.
Kromah provided the explosive plays that Florida State needed.
One of his biggest moments came when he broke loose for a 54-yard run.
That run put Florida State in position to score, eventually leading to a 46-yard field goal.
Later, Kromah finished a drive with a six-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 17–17.
His performance also continued an impressive early-season trend.
Kromah had opened the season with 115 rushing yards against New Mexico State, and his 116-yard performance against SMU gave him consecutive 100-yard games. Florida State noted that he became the program's first player with consecutive 100-yard rushing games since Trey Benson did it in 2022.
SMU vs FSU: How the Game Developed
The game developed into a back-and-forth contest.
SMU was more productive overall.
Florida State was more opportunistic at certain moments.
That combination produced the 27–24 score.
At halftime, SMU held a 17–10 lead.
The Mustangs had already demonstrated their ability to move the football, while Florida State was struggling to sustain drives consistently.
But the Seminoles came out of halftime determined to change the game.
They did.
Florida State forced another SMU turnover and later recovered a muffed punt.
Those defensive and special-teams plays gave the Seminoles favorable field position.
Eventually, Kromah's touchdown run tied the game.
Suddenly, the momentum had changed.
Florida State's Defense Creates Four Turnovers
The most surprising statistical element of the game may have been the turnover battle.
Florida State forced SMU into four turnovers.
That included two interceptions of Jennings and a muffed punt recovery.
Normally, a team that forces four turnovers has an excellent chance to win.
But SMU overcame those mistakes because its offense was so productive.
The Mustangs generated 585 total yards.
That meant Florida State repeatedly needed to stop long drives and explosive plays.
It could not do that consistently enough.
The result was an unusual combination:
Florida State won the turnover battle, but SMU won the football game.
That tells you a lot about how dominant the Mustangs were in terms of offensive yardage.
The Fourth Quarter Changes Everything
The fourth quarter was where the game became a genuine thriller.
SMU had the opportunity to seize control.
The Mustangs did so with an explosive touchdown.
A 79-yard touchdown pass put SMU ahead 24–17.
At that moment, Florida State was facing a major problem.
The Seminoles had fought back to tie the game.
Then, almost immediately, they were seven points behind again.
But Florida State responded.
Daniels connected with Samuel Singleton Jr. for a 39-yard touchdown pass.
The score tied the game at 24–24.
Suddenly, neither team needed a miracle.
One good drive could win the game.
And SMU got that drive.
Nick Reed Delivers the Winning Kick
After Florida State punted, SMU received another opportunity.
The Mustangs put together a 71-yard, nine-play drive.
That drive was not necessarily the most spectacular possession of the game.
But it was the most important.
SMU moved the ball far enough to put kicker Nick Reed in position.
With only 21 seconds remaining, Reed stepped up for a 20-yard field goal.
He made it.
SMU led 27–24.
Florida State had one final opportunity, but the Seminoles could not produce another scoring drive.
The Mustangs had escaped.
Why SMU Won the Game
There are several reasons why SMU vs Florida State ended with the Mustangs on top.
1. SMU's passing offense was too explosive
The biggest factor was obvious.
Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards.
SMU finished with 585 total yards.
Florida State managed only 125 passing yards.
That is an enormous difference.
Even with four turnovers, SMU's offense continued to generate enough yardage to keep scoring opportunities alive.
2. SMU converted third downs
The Mustangs were efficient when they needed to be.
SMU converted 8 of 14 third-down attempts.
Florida State converted only 2 of 15.
That is one of the most revealing statistics from the game.
Third down is often where games are won.
A team that consistently converts third downs keeps its offense on the field.
A team that repeatedly fails on third down gives the opponent additional possessions.
Florida State's inability to sustain drives placed enormous pressure on its defense.
3. SMU survived its mistakes
SMU was not perfect.
Far from it.
The Mustangs threw interceptions.
They made other mistakes.
Florida State created four turnovers.
Yet SMU continually responded.
That mental resilience may ultimately be one of the most important takeaways from the game.
A team does not always win because everything goes according to plan.
Sometimes it wins because it can survive when things go wrong.
That was SMU on Monday night.
Why Florida State Lost
Florida State had enough opportunities to win.
That makes the loss particularly frustrating for the Seminoles.
The biggest problems were offensive consistency and the inability to stop SMU's explosive passing game.
Passing production was a major issue
Daniels completed 12 of 23 passes for 125 yards.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 430.
That enormous disparity made it difficult for Florida State to keep pace.
The Seminoles needed their rushing attack to compensate.
It helped.
But it could not completely erase the passing-yardage gap.
Florida State's Third-Down Problem
Florida State converted just 2 of 15 third-down attempts.
That is one of the clearest explanations for the final result.
When a team repeatedly fails on third down, drives end.
When drives end, the defense must return to the field.
And against an explosive offense such as SMU's, giving the opponent more possessions can become dangerous.
Florida State's offense did produce some big plays.
But it struggled to consistently sustain drives.
That inconsistency eventually mattered in a three-point game.
The Power Outage Made the Game Even More Unusual
The stadium power outage deserves special attention because it changed the atmosphere before the game even began.
The teams expected to play a nationally televised Labor Day game.
Instead, players waited while officials and stadium personnel dealt with a major electrical problem.
The kickoff moved from the scheduled time to approximately 9:15 p.m.
When the game finally started, the stadium was still operating under limitations.
It would have been easy for either team to lose focus.
SMU's coaching staff had to keep its players mentally prepared.
Florida State had to do the same.
The unusual delay essentially created another pregame challenge.
And after nearly two hours of waiting, the players still had to perform at a high level.
That is one reason the game will likely be remembered for more than simply the final score.
Rhett Lashlee and SMU's Response to Chaos
SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee emphasized the challenge of maintaining composure during such an unusual night.
The situation required the players to stay focused even though the environment was anything but normal.
The Mustangs eventually showed that composure in the final minutes.
After Florida State tied the game at 24–24, SMU did not panic.
Instead, the Mustangs drove 71 yards and produced the winning field goal.
That is the type of sequence coaches often point to when evaluating a team's maturity.
What the Win Means for SMU
The victory is significant for several reasons.
First, SMU began the season 1–0.
Second, the victory came on the road.
Third, it came against an ACC opponent.
Fourth, it came against a Florida State team that had already won its season opener.
And fifth, SMU did it while ranked No. 19 nationally.
SMU entered 2026 with considerable expectations.
The Mustangs had already established themselves as a competitive ACC program.
Before the season, SMU noted that it had gone 14–2 in ACC play since joining the conference in 2024, a remarkable record over that span.
The victory over Florida State adds another important result to that conference record.
Kevin Jennings' Growth as an SMU Quarterback
The performance against Florida State also matters for Jennings personally.
Before the 2026 season, SMU had already highlighted his experience and production.
In 2025, Jennings started all 13 games and threw for 3,641 yards and 26 touchdowns, while completing 66% of his passes.
That experience was visible against Florida State.
He did not have a flawless night.
Two interceptions are significant.
But he demonstrated an important quarterback quality:
the ability to move past mistakes.
After throwing interceptions, Jennings continued attacking.
He continued making throws.
And when SMU needed a final scoring drive, he helped guide the offense down the field.
That is why the 430-yard performance is more meaningful than the raw number alone.
The Importance of Explosive Plays
One of the biggest themes from the game was explosive offense.
SMU repeatedly created huge plays.
The Mustangs had touchdown passes of 50 yards, 10 yards and 79 yards, among other significant gains.
Florida State also created explosive plays through Kromah and Singleton.
But SMU's ability to create explosive plays through the passing game was the defining difference.
A defense can survive a long drive.
It is much harder to recover when one missed assignment becomes a 79-yard touchdown.
That was one of the central problems Florida State faced.
SMU vs Florida State: Offensive Comparison
The final statistics tell a compelling story.
| Category | SMU | Florida State |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 27 | 24 |
| Total Yards | 585 | 324 |
| Passing Yards | 430 | 125 |
| Rushing Yards | 155 | 199 |
| Third Down | 8/14 | 2/15 |
| Turnovers | 4 | 1 |
The numbers reveal two completely different styles.
SMU dominated through the air.
Florida State had the stronger rushing total.
But SMU's passing advantage was enormous.
The Mustangs gained 305 more total yards than Florida State.
Yet the game was decided by only three points.
That tells you how valuable Florida State's turnovers were.
Florida State's Defense Deserves Credit Too
Although the Seminoles lost, their defense should not be ignored.
Forcing four turnovers against a ranked opponent is an impressive accomplishment.
The Seminoles created pressure on Jennings and intercepted him twice.
They also recovered a muffed punt.
Those plays repeatedly gave Florida State opportunities to change the game.
The problem was not a complete lack of defensive production.
The bigger issue was that the defense allowed too many explosive plays.
Against a quarterback throwing for 430 yards, forcing turnovers is not enough if the offense cannot consistently capitalize.
The Final Drive Shows SMU's Mental Toughness
The final SMU possession may have been the most important sequence of the entire game.
Florida State had just tied the game.
The momentum was on the Seminoles' side.
SMU could have become conservative.
Instead, the Mustangs moved the ball.
The drive covered 71 yards in nine plays.
That put Nick Reed in range.
The field goal went through with 21 seconds left.
That sequence demonstrated composure under pressure.
It also showed why close games often come down to execution rather than domination.
SMU had already made plenty of mistakes.
But when it had one final opportunity, it executed.
What Florida State Can Learn From the Loss
For Florida State, the result is painful but instructive.
The Seminoles demonstrated that they can compete with a ranked ACC opponent.
They forced four turnovers.
They rushed for 199 yards.
They repeatedly answered SMU's scores.
But several issues need attention.
Improve third-down offense
Going 2-for-15 is not sustainable.
Improve passing consistency
The 125 passing yards were not enough against SMU's offensive production.
Reduce defensive explosive plays
Allowing a 79-yard touchdown and other long completions made the margin for error extremely small.
Capitalize on turnovers
Forcing four turnovers but still losing means the offense and special teams did not consistently turn those opportunities into enough points.
What Comes Next for SMU?
SMU does not have much time to celebrate.
The Mustangs are scheduled to return home to face UC Davis on September 12.
That game will be very different from the Florida State matchup.
There will be no hostile Tallahassee environment.
There should be no dramatic stadium power outage.
And SMU will enter the contest with increased attention after defeating a Power 4 opponent on the road.
The challenge for Lashlee and his team will be maintaining focus.
One major victory does not guarantee a successful season.
But it gives SMU something extremely valuable:
confidence.
What Comes Next for Florida State?
Florida State now faces a bye week before traveling to Alabama on September 19.
That creates an opportunity for the Seminoles to correct their problems before another major test.
Florida State's official schedule lists the Alabama game for September 19 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
The bye week could be especially valuable because the Seminoles have several areas to address.
The coaching staff can evaluate:
- third-down efficiency
- passing-game consistency
- defensive communication
- explosive plays allowed
- red-zone execution
- turnover conversion
- late-game decision-making
The loss to SMU was narrow.
Florida State was not blown out.
That means the team has an opportunity to use the experience constructively.
The Bigger ACC Picture
The SMU vs Florida State result is also important within the broader ACC race.
SMU entered the season with a strong conference record from its first two years in the league.
The Mustangs had already shown that they could compete against established ACC programs.
A road victory against Florida State strengthens that argument.
It also creates an early statement for the rest of the conference.
SMU is not simply participating in the ACC.
The Mustangs expect to compete.
And Kevin Jennings' performance makes that message even stronger.
SMU's Recent Rise
The Mustangs have undergone a major transformation over the past several seasons.
The program's move into the ACC created an opportunity to compete regularly against high-profile Power 4 opponents.
SMU's 2024 victory over Florida State was already a major moment because it came in the Mustangs' first ACC game.
SMU won that matchup 42–16.
Two years later, the teams met again.
This time, the result was much closer.
But the Mustangs still won.
That gives SMU a 2–0 record against Florida State in their two meetings.
For a relatively young conference matchup, that is already an interesting trend.
Why Kevin Jennings Is Now a Name to Watch
The most searchable name coming out of this game is likely to be Kevin Jennings.
And there is a reason.
A quarterback who throws for 430 yards and three touchdowns in a nationally televised conference game naturally attracts attention.
But Jennings' story is bigger than one night.
He entered 2026 with substantial experience and production.
SMU's preseason information identified him as the ACC's active leader in career passing yards and total yards at the start of the season.
The Florida State game added another major performance to his résumé.
If Jennings continues producing at this level, his name should remain prominent in conversations about the ACC's top quarterbacks.
Why the SMU vs FSU Game Was So Entertaining
There were several ingredients that made this game unusually compelling.
A ranked team on the road
SMU entered ranked No. 19.
A nationally televised matchup
The game was broadcast on ESPN.
A stadium power outage
The kickoff was delayed nearly two hours.
A 430-yard quarterback performance
Jennings produced a career high.
Four turnovers by Florida State
The Seminoles repeatedly created opportunities.
A 24–24 tie in the fourth quarter
Neither team could separate itself.
A last-minute field goal
Nick Reed won the game with 21 seconds remaining.
That combination made the game much more memorable than a routine Week 1 result.
SMU vs Florida State: The Main Takeaways
If you only have a few minutes to understand the game, these are the most important points.
SMU won 27–24.
Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns.
SMU produced 585 total yards.
Florida State forced four turnovers.
Ousmane Kromah rushed for 116 yards and one touchdown.
Ashton Daniels threw for 125 yards and one touchdown and rushed for another score.
Florida State converted only 2 of 15 third downs.
SMU converted 8 of 14 third downs.
The game was delayed approximately one hour and 45 minutes by a stadium power outage.
Nick Reed kicked the winning 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions About SMU vs Florida State
Who won SMU vs Florida State?
SMU defeated Florida State 27–24 on September 7, 2026, in Tallahassee. Nick Reed's 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining gave the Mustangs the victory.
What was the SMU vs FSU score?
The final score was SMU 27, Florida State 24.
How many yards did Kevin Jennings throw for?
Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns while completing 26 of 36 passes.
How many touchdowns did Kevin Jennings throw?
Jennings threw three touchdown passes against Florida State.
Who was the leading rusher for Florida State?
Ousmane Kromah led Florida State with 116 rushing yards on 22 carries and one touchdown.
How did Ashton Daniels perform?
Ashton Daniels completed 12 of 23 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. He also scored a rushing touchdown.
Why was the Florida State game delayed?
The game was delayed because of a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium. The outage was attributed to an electrical problem involving the stadium's main transformer, and the kickoff was pushed back to approximately 9:15 p.m.
How long was the SMU vs Florida State delay?
The delay lasted approximately one hour and 45 minutes, according to reporting from Reuters and other outlets.
Where was SMU vs Florida State played?
The game was played at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Florida State's home stadium.
What was SMU's record after the win?
SMU moved to 1–0 overall and 1–0 in ACC play.
What is Florida State's record after the loss?
Florida State moved to 1–1 overall and 0–1 in ACC play.
Did SMU and Florida State play before?
Yes. The teams previously met in 2024, when SMU won 42–16. The 2026 matchup was the second meeting between the programs.
Who kicked the winning field goal?
Nick Reed kicked the winning 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining.
What was the biggest difference between SMU and Florida State?
The biggest statistical difference was passing offense. SMU produced 430 passing yards, while Florida State had 125 passing yards. SMU also converted 8 of 14 third downs compared with Florida State's 2 of 15.
Final Analysis: SMU Survives a Wild Night in Tallahassee
The SMU vs Florida State game was supposed to be a major early-season ACC test.
It became something much more unusual.
The stadium went dark.
The kickoff was delayed.
The game eventually began under unusual operating conditions.
Then the football itself delivered everything fans could have wanted.
There were explosive touchdowns.
There were interceptions.
There were special-teams mistakes.
There was a dominant performance by a quarterback.
There was a powerful rushing performance from Florida State.
There was a 24–24 tie late in the fourth quarter.
And finally, there was a last-minute field goal.
For SMU, the most important takeaway is simple:
The Mustangs found a way to win.
They did not play a perfect game.
They turned the ball over four times.
But Kevin Jennings produced 430 passing yards and three touchdowns, the offense generated 585 total yards, and the team executed when the final possession mattered most.
For Florida State, the loss will be frustrating because the Seminoles had genuine opportunities.
They forced four turnovers.
They ran the football effectively.
They tied the game twice after falling behind.
But the passing-game production and third-down performance were not enough to overcome SMU's explosive offense.
In the end, SMU 27, Florida State 24 became more than just another Week 1 score.
It was an early ACC statement.
It was a breakout performance for Kevin Jennings.
It was another strong chapter in SMU's rapid rise.
And for Florida State, it was a reminder that against a ranked opponent, even a few missed opportunities can determine the entire night.
The strangest part may be that the game was almost impossible to predict before it started.
The lights were off.
The stadium was waiting.
The players were waiting.
And once the lights finally came back on, SMU and Florida State produced one of the most memorable games of the early 2026 college football season.
