Full Breakdown
SMU Edges Florida State 27-24 in Power-Outage-Delayed Season Opener
9/8/2026, 12:21:19 PM
Core Event: Late Field Goal Secures SMU Victory
On September 7, 2026, the No. 19 Southern Methodist University Mustangs defeated the Florida State Seminoles 27-24 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. After a two-hour power outage postponed kickoff, senior quarterback Kevin Jennings led a winning drive that ended with Nick Reed’s 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds left.
Background & Context
The game marked SMU’s ACC debut and the first meeting of the 2026 season for both programs. The loss of stadium electricity eliminated public-address announcements, sideline helmet communication, and in-game replay, forcing teams to play under “old-fashioned” conditions.
Data & Statistics
- Passing: Jennings completed 26 of 36 attempts for a career-best 430 yards and three touchdowns.
- Total offense: SMU amassed 585 yards (328 in the first half) versus Florida State’s 324 yards.
- Third-down efficiency: SMU converted 8 of 14; Florida State 2 of 15.
- Turnovers: Reports differ; US News lists SMU with two interceptions and a forced fumble, while UnderdogDynasty cites SMU committing four turnovers to Florida State’s single turnover.
- Rushing: Florida State’s Ousmane Kromah recorded 116 yards and a touchdown.
- Scoring summary: SMU touchdowns came from Jennings to Jalen Cooper (50 yd) and Randy Pittman (10 yd). Florida State scored on a 39-yard pass from Ashton Daniels to Samuel Singleton Jr. and Kromah’s rushing touchdown.
Official Statements & Responses
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell noted missed third-down opportunities and defensive lapses. Jennings emphasized the team’s focus on learning from mistakes and executing in the final moments, describing the win as a product of “staying … going” despite early errors.
On-the-Ground Reports
The outage halted play for roughly 90 minutes, forcing officials to keep the clock running on the field. With the PA system and sideline tech down, players and coaches relied on hand signals and direct verbal cues. Both teams suffered multiple turnovers, including a muffed punt by Florida State that led to a SMU third-quarter touchdown.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Turnover totals: US News and ESPN record SMU with two interceptions and one forced fumble, whereas UnderdogDynasty lists SMU committing four turnovers while Florida State recorded only one.
- Penalty details: Only UnderdogDynasty mentions SMU’s six penalties, including an offsides on a field-goal attempt; other outlets do not specify penalty numbers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We asked them to be calm in the chaos,” — Rhett Lashlee, SMU coach
- “It's easy for me, just go through my reads and find the open guy,” — Kevin Jennings
What’s Next
SMU will host FCS opponent UC Davis in its home opener the following week. Florida State has a bye week before traveling to face Alabama in a non-conference matchup later in September.
