SMU vs Florida State Prediction: Can the Seminoles Get Their Groove Back?
· Yahoo Sports
It was one loss, but it was a big one.
Florida State started the 2024 season 1-3, but it was coming off a tough win over Cal before going to SMU. The Mustangs won 42-16 as the jumping-off point for a run to the College Football Playoff, and the Seminoles didn’t beat another FBS team the rest of the way.
With so many decent teams in an even league, a loss will be devastating, a win will be a statement, and it should be an interesting showcase game for the ACC.
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SMU vs Florida State: Quick Hits
- Florida State started the season with a 34-17 win over New Mexico State, but it was a fight – the Noles were only up seven late in the third.
- The Seminoles get a week off after this to get ready for a trip to Alabama. The next ACC game is against Virginia in early October.
- SMU has won seven straight openers. It gets UC Davis next before continuing the ACC season at Louisville.
How To Watch SMU vs Florida State
Date: Monday, September 7, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Why SMU Will Win
The Mustangs have the talent to be sharp right away. Kevin Jennings is a veteran quarterback who’s seen it all now in the ACC, and he’s working behind a veteran offensive front that should be able to handle a Florida State line that had a few nice moments against New Mexico State, but didn’t dominate.
The Seminoles had a rough time getting the defense off the field. New Mexico State did a great job of keeping the chains moving, and that’s what Jennings has to do – hit the midrange plays and control the tempo.
Why Florida State Will Win
For all of the good pieces SMU brings, it’s all but starting over with a new receiving corps. And as good as Jennings is, he throws interceptions. If the timing is off at all, the big plays from the FSU secondary will come.
Having the game under its belt will matter. FSU was balanced and explosive against the Aggies. As long as the running game can be consistent against a revamped Mustang line, the offense will work.
SMU vs Florida State Prediction, Betting Lines
It won’t exactly be the moment when Florida State looks like its about to be a player in the national title chase, but it’ll be an even effort with better play from the lines than they showed against New Mexico State.
SMU will be sharp on enough drives to take an early lead, but FSU will play a half-step factor in the second half – and much sharper than they were in Week 0.
Florida State 27, SMU 26
Latest Consensus Line: SMU-2.5, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.