Florida State vs SMU Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines
By Pete Fiutak,
23 days ago
Just how good is SMU?
After struggling to get up and going in a tough win over Nevada and close home loss to BYU, it dropped an offensive hammer on TCU - take THAT for whining about being on the CW Network - in a 66-42 win.
It’s the ACC opener for the Mustangs before going on the road for three straight dates starting at Louisville.
Just how good is Florida State? It took a LOT of work to get by Cal 14-9, but it was a win. Finally. At 1-2 in the ACC, the team can’t afford a road misfire.
Sep 6, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the SMU fans and students during the game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Brigham Young Cougars at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
SMU might have found its footing against TCU, but the Seminoles have proven themselves against decent offenses.
Memphis might have won, but it only came up with 337 yards, Boston College didn’t throw all that well, and overall there’s been a lot of bending without a ton of breaking.
The pass rush has been terrific and should bother the SMU backfield, it should force at least two takeaways, and …
Why SMU Will Win
The Florida State offense just isn’t working.
It was the defense that saved the day against Cal because for the fourth straight game the Seminoles couldn’t get to 300 yards of total O.
SMU has to strike quickly and put the pressure on. Yes, FSU will bring a bit of a pass rush, but the Mustang offensive front isn’t bad in pass protection, and it shouldn’t take too much of a push to pull this off.
Even with the decent defense, Florida State is awful on third downs, and ANY negative momentum will be devastating.
Florida State vs SMU: Who Will Win
In every way possible going on the road is a positive for Florida State.
Obviously much of the team's focus and concern will be on the hurricane nightmare that just blew through Tallahassee, but football-wise, it’ll be sunny all day and perfect out in the evening - and hot - in Dallas, and the change of scenery and venue should be a plus for a team that needs to bust out of its funk.
Talent-wise it isn’t even close. SMU can’t hang man-for-man with Florida State, but Florida State’s offense just doesn’t work. Even so, the Seminole defense will save the day, and the running game will finally show up.
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