On Labor Day, the Florida State Seminoles entered Doak Campbell Stadium as a three-point underdog, battling not only the No. 19 SMU Mustangs but also communication breakdowns and intermittent power failures that hampered the home crowd’s atmosphere.
Labor Day Clash at Doak Campbell
Running back Ousmane Kromah answered the early adversity with a commanding 116-yard rushing performance that included a touchdown, igniting a late-stage drive that briefly closed the gap.
Quarterback Ashton Daniels, however, struggled with his decision-making, completing only 8 of 13 passes for 52 yards and adding a rushing score before halftime, a showing that left the Seminoles scrambling for stability.
SMU’s offense, led by quarterback Jennings, was relentless; he completed 26 of 36 attempts for 400 yards and three touchdowns, while the Mustangs amassed a staggering 328 rushing yards, outgaining Florida State on the ground by a wide margin.
Defensively, the Seminoles surrendered more than 150 rushing yards and failed to convert any of their ten third-down attempts, a combination that compounded their struggles despite forcing four turnovers that ultimately went unexploited.
The contest remained deadlocked late in the fourth quarter before a decisive play gave SMU a 34-30 advantage, sealing a narrow victory that underscored the importance of communication and execution in high-stakes college football.
Looking ahead, the Seminoles are scheduled to meet the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 19, a marquee matchup that will follow their first bye week and provide a crucial test of the team’s resolve after the Labor Day setback.