SMU Edges Florida State 27-24 on Nick Reed’s Late Field Goal/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Nick Reed kicked a 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining to give No. 19 SMU a 27-24 victory over Florida State. Kevin Jennings overcame two interceptions to throw for a career-high 430 yards and three touchdowns in the Mustangs’ season opener. The ACC matchup began nearly two hours late because of a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Nick Reed kicked a 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining Monday night, lifting No. 19 SMU to a 27-24 road victory over Florida State in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams.
SMU drove 71 yards in nine plays on its final possession to set up Reed’s winning kick. The Mustangs improved to 1-0 overall and in conference play, while Florida State fell to 1-1 and 0-1 in the ACC.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings overcame two second-half interceptions to direct the decisive drive. He completed 26 of 36 passes for a career-best 430 yards and three touchdowns.
Jennings connected with Jalen Cooper for a 50-yard touchdown and found Florida State transfer Randy Pittman for a 10-yard score. The Mustangs accumulated 585 yards despite committing several season-opening mistakes.
SMU converted eight of its 14 third-down attempts and produced two scoring drives in the fourth quarter.
Ousmane Kromah carried the ball 22 times for 116 yards, establishing career highs in both categories. His performance included a 54-yard run and a 7-yard touchdown.
Kromah has surpassed 100 rushing yards in each of Florida State’s first two games. He became the first Seminoles player to record consecutive 100-yard rushing performances since Trey Benson accomplished the feat during the 2022 season.
Quarterback Ashton Daniels completed 12 of 23 passes for 125 yards. He threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Samuel Singleton Jr. and added an 8-yard touchdown run that completed a 14-play, 75-yard opening-quarter drive.
Florida State struggled to sustain drives through the air and failed on its first 10 third-down attempts. The Seminoles finished 2 of 15 in those situations.
The Seminoles remained competitive by forcing three turnovers. Ashlynd Barker and Nehemiah Chandler intercepted Jennings in the second half, while a muffed SMU punt led to a Florida State touchdown in the third quarter.
Florida State nevertheless failed to capitalize on enough of those opportunities to take control.
The game was scheduled to begin at 7:35 p.m., but a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium delayed kickoff until 9:15 p.m.
Officials initially kept time on the field as the stadium continued dealing with the disruption.
The delay created an unusual start to SMU’s season, but the Mustangs maintained their composure and secured the road victory.
SMU’s offense demonstrated its potential behind Jenningswho responded to turnovers by leading two fourth-quarter scoring possessions. The Mustangs’ victory could strengthen their position when the next AP Top 25 poll is released.
Florida State showed strength in its running game and generated takeaways, but its passing inconsistencies and third-down failures proved costly.
The Seminoles also fell to 0-2 all time against SMU. The Mustangs defeated Florida State 42-16 in their first meeting in 2024.
SMU returns home to face UC Davis on Saturday.
Florida State has a bye before traveling to play No. 13 Alabama on Sept. 19.
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