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Florida State-SMU Labor Day Opener Set for ESPN Prime Time

9/8/2026

20 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Seminoles Host SMU

Florida State hosts SMU in the ACC opener on Labor Day, Sept 7, 2026.
The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
ESPN will broadcast the prime-time matchup nationally.
SMU enters as a 2.5-point favorite with a 53.5 over/under.
Five Seminoles are out and four are doubtful, including receiver Devin Carter and safety Jordan Crutchfield.

Summary

Seminoles Unveil Uniforms

Florida State unveiled its 2026 home uniform set—gold helmets, garnet jerseys, gold pants—for the SMU game.
Coach Mike Norvell hopes the Labor Day matchup signals a program turnaround after two losing seasons.
The Seminoles upset No. 8 Alabama 31-17 in 2025, sparking celebrations on Bobby Bowden Field.
The national broadcast offers the Seminoles a rare chance to showcase their revamped roster nationwide.

History

Historical Context

Florida State revived football in 1947, joined the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 1992 season and has since amassed 96 conference titles, including an 11-2 championship run in 1991 as an independent. The 2026 Labor Day game at Doak Campbell Stadium will debut gold helmets on live ESPN, echoing the early-1990s resurgence that cemented the Seminoles’ ACC prominence.

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Seminoles Host SMU

Florida State hosts SMU in the ACC opener on Labor Day, Sept 7, 2026.
The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
ESPN will broadcast the prime-time matchup nationally.
SMU enters as a 2.5-point favorite with a 53.5 over/under.
Five Seminoles are out and four are doubtful, including receiver Devin Carter and safety Jordan Crutchfield.

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