SMU will begin ACC play this week at home when Florida State, the reigning conference champion, comes to town.
The Mustangs are riding a high from a dominant 66-42 win over TCU last weekend, but the real challenge begins now with an eight-game ACC slate.
As one of the conference’s newcomers, SMU is seeking to prove it belongs in one of the nation’s premier athletic conferences. Meanwhile, Florida State is eager to continue to bounce back from a dismal 0-3 start to the year.
Here is what to know about this week’s matchup:
SMU vs. Florida State
When: 7 p.m. Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park
Records: SMU (3-1); Florida State (1-3, 1-2)
Last meeting: SMU and Florida State have never played before.
What’s at stake?
SMU has the chance to earn its first ACC win over the team that won it all last year.
Entering the season, this was regarded as SMU’s toughest game by far with the Seminoles ranked No. 10 in the nation. However, the expectations behind this game have changed after Florida State’s 0-3 start.
SMU is now the favorite in the contest but expects a hungry Florida State team eager for redemption.
After beating TCU last week, the Mustangs have officially won a power-conference game and did so at home for the first time since 2010. But Saturday evening’s matchup provides another chance at history on a big stage against a blue blood program.
When SMU has the ball
SMU put up 66 points against a strong TCU defense last week but will face an even bigger challenge against Florida State and its defensive line, in particular.
The Seminoles are allowing just over 20 points per game this year and had their best defensive game yet against Cal last week, giving up just nine points and totaling seven sacks.
The Mustangs will rely on their ground game again, particularly Brashard Smith, who is carrying the load for the running back room depleted by injuries. He rushed for 127 yards and totaled four touchdowns against TCU and could be a differentiator against a Florida State team that has given up 625 yards rushing this season.
When Florida State has the ball
The Florida State offense has struggled immensely this season, scoring more than 20 points just once in four games.
To SMU’s advantage, its defense has been the bright spot. While it gave up 42 points last week, it scored two touchdowns and came up with five takeaways against TCU. The SMU defense has 11 takeaways in the last three weeks and has totaled 23 points this season.
SMU should be able to put some pressure on Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who has thrown for 843 yards and has a 2-3 touchdown-interception ratio this year. Safety Ahmaad Moses had two interceptions and one returned for a touchdown against TCU and will be a player to watch in the secondary.
Prediction
SMU’s defense will have another big day and keep Florida State below 20 points for the fourth consecutive week.
The Mustang offense may struggle at times against Florida State’s dominant defense, but it’ll do just enough — and maybe even get an assist with some more points from the defense and special teams.
SMU will walk away from Ford Stadium with its first ACC win before hitting the road for the entire month of October.
Prediction: SMU 24, Florida State 17
On X/Twitter: @Lassimak
