Underdog Challenge
Florida State University’s football program enters the 2024 season with a 7‑17 record, yet the Seminoles have already shocked the college football world by beating No. 8 Alabama 31‑17, a 14‑point victory that highlighted their aggressive ground attack and physical defense.
The upcoming clash with No. 19 SMU will be played on Monday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN, with the Seminoles listed as a three‑point underdog, reflecting both the competitiveness of the matchup and the uncertainty surrounding SMU’s quarterback Kevin Jennings, who is nursing an injury.
Coach Mike Norvell has crafted a game plan that emphasizes pounding key offensive contributors such as Ousmane Kromah, Samuel Singleton Jr. and Quintrevion Wisner, while his defense will look to tighten up after a shaky performance against New Mexico State.
SMU’s relative inexperience, especially at the quarterback position, presents a vulnerability that FSU hopes to exploit, aiming to improve its pass defense and capitalize on the Mustangs’ limited game‑time exposure.
If the contest remains tight, Ashton Daniels could set up a field‑goal opportunity for kicker Gabe Panikowski, a detail that may prove decisive as FSU seeks its second consecutive upset of a ranked opponent and its first victory over SMU in their only prior meeting.