Overview
- FSU will host SMU at Doak Campbell Stadium on Monday, Sept. 7, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game airing on ESPN.
- An updated availability report moved wide receiver Tae’Shaun Gelsey and defensive back K.J. Kirkland to doubtful and downgraded other Seminoles, while several backups remain listed probable or out for the game.
- SMU enters ranked No. 19 and as a small favorite after rebuilding into a power-conference threat under Rhett Lashlee and returning veteran QB Kevin Jennings, who led the Mustangs to a high-volume passing attack last season.
- Florida State’s path to an upset likely runs through its running game that produced 220 rushing yards in Week 0 from Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr., because the Seminoles’ pass defense struggled to get off the field against New Mexico State.
- A win would ease pressure on coach Mike Norvell ahead of a difficult stretch that includes a road trip to Alabama, while a poor showing would amplify concerns about lineup cohesion after a portal-driven roster rebuild.