SMU vs Florida State: SMU Wins 27-24 in Dramatic College Football Game
No. 19 SMU defeated Florida State 27-24 in a dramatic Week 1 college football matchup in Tallahassee. The game featured a late field goal, multiple turnovers and an unusual delay caused by a stadium power outage.
SMU: 27
Florida State: 24
SMU vs Florida State Final Score
SMU came away with a 27-24 victory over Florida State on Monday night at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
The game was decided in the final minute. After Florida State and SMU were tied at 24-24 in the fourth quarter, SMU drove into scoring range and Nick Reed kicked a 20-yard field goal with just 21 seconds remaining.
The result gave No. 19 SMU a 1-0 record and an ACC conference victory. Florida State fell to 1-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Why Was the SMU vs Florida State Game Delayed?
The matchup was scheduled to begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET, but a major power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium delayed the start.
Officials later said an electrical short involving the stadium's main transformer caused the problem. Crews worked to restore enough power for the game to continue.
The teams eventually returned to the field and the game began at approximately 9:15 p.m. ET after a warmup period.
The unusual circumstances continued during the game. Some normal stadium operations were unavailable, including the scoreboard and public-address system.
SMU vs Florida State Game Highlights
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered a major performance for the Mustangs. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 430 yards and three touchdowns.
Jennings connected with Jalen Cooper on a 50-yard touchdown pass and later found Randy Pittman for a 10-yard touchdown.
SMU also received a huge fourth-quarter play when Jennings connected with Y. Smith for a 79-yard touchdown, putting the Mustangs ahead 24-17.
Florida State answered with a 39-yard touchdown reception by Samuel Singleton Jr., tying the game at 24-24.
How SMU Won the Game
After Florida State tied the game, SMU regained possession and constructed a late scoring drive.
The Mustangs moved the ball down the field before setting up Nick Reed for the decisive 20-yard field goal.
Reed's kick went through with 21 seconds remaining, giving SMU the 27-24 lead.
Florida State did not have enough time to produce another scoring drive, allowing SMU to leave Tallahassee with the victory.
Kevin Jennings' Performance
Kevin Jennings was one of the biggest reasons SMU won the game. He threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns while completing 26 of 36 attempts.
Despite throwing two interceptions, Jennings produced two important fourth-quarter scoring drives and helped SMU finish the game strongly.
Florida State's Best Performers
Florida State running back Ousmane Kromah had an impressive night on the ground. He carried the ball 22 times for 116 yards and scored a touchdown.
Quarterback Ashton Daniels completed 12 of 23 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 71 yards and scored a rushing touchdown.
Samuel Singleton Jr. added a 39-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter that temporarily tied the game.
SMU vs Florida State Team Stats
| Stat | SMU | Florida State |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 27 | 24 |
| Total Yards | 585 | 336 |
| Passing Yards | 430 | 125 |
| Rushing Yards | 155 | 211 |
| First Downs | 22 | 15 |
| Turnovers | 4 | 1 |
SMU vs Florida State Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | 7 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 27 |
| Florida State | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
What Went Wrong for Florida State?
Florida State generated more rushing yards than SMU but struggled to convert third downs. The Seminoles finished just 2-for-15 on third down opportunities.
The defense did force four turnovers from SMU, including two interceptions and a fumble recovery, but the offense could not consistently turn those opportunities into points.
SMU's passing attack ultimately created the difference in total offensive production.
What's Next for SMU?
SMU will return home to face UC Davis on Saturday.
The victory over Florida State gives the Mustangs an important early conference win and puts them at 1-0 heading into their next game.
What's Next for Florida State?
Florida State enters its first bye week of the 2026 season after the loss.
The Seminoles' next game is scheduled to be a road matchup against Alabama on September 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
SMU defeated Florida State 27-24.
The final score was SMU 27, Florida State 24.
The game was delayed because of a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
Kevin Jennings was SMU's quarterback. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 430 yards and three touchdowns.
SMU kicker Nick Reed scored the winning points with a 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining.
Final Takeaway
SMU's 27-24 victory over Florida State was one of the most dramatic games of the opening week. The contest began after a lengthy stadium power outage and ended with a last-minute field goal.
Kevin Jennings led a high-powered SMU passing attack, while Florida State's running game kept the Seminoles in the contest throughout the night.
With the victory, SMU begins its conference schedule 1-0, while Florida State will use its upcoming bye week to prepare for its September 19 road game against Alabama.
Florida State University Athletics — official game recap and statistics.
Associated Press/CBS Sports — game recap and box score.
Reuters — report on the stadium power outage and game delay.
0 Comments