On Saturday at 8 p.m. on the ACC Network, the ‘Noles will be in Dallas to take on the Southern Methodist University Mustangs.
SMU is 3-1 on the season with wins against Nevada, Houston Christian and TCU with a loss to BYU.
This is the first meeting between the two schools.
Observations from the last game
Joshua Farmer dominated the whole game, with 3.5 tackles for loss.
The rest of the defense was flying to the ball and playing the same aggressive style we’ve seen the past couple years. Cal was able to create a few big plays and were able to get into the endzone. Linebacker Blake Nichelson (8 tackles) and defensive backs Edwin Joseph (INT) and Quindarius Jones (3 pass break ups) had great games that helped propel the ‘Noles to victory.
DJ Uiagalelei looked more comfortable in the offense and made a couple of big throws on the game winning drive.
Florida State offense versus SMU defense
SMU is 93rd in the FBS in passing yards given up per game so I expect the ‘Noles to try to use the pass to set up the run game. If DJU can hit Malik Benson or Ja’Khi Douglas on a couple deep throws the safeties can move back and give Lawrance Toafili some room to make plays.
Florida State defense versus SMU offense
The SMU offense is fast paced, trying to get in as many plays as possible. Quarterback Kevin Jennings solidified his role as the started after a great game against TCU. Jennings can hurt the defense through the air (479 yards) and on the ground, 137 yards (FSU has struggled against dual threat QBs).
Running back Brashard Smith has been a force this season racking up 380 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns.
Special Teams
The Mustangs scored a touchdown on special teams last week but FSU has the better kickers. This phase of the game is even.
Prediction
The ‘Noles defense will make enough stops in the redzone to get the W.
Florida State 33 SMU 30.
Imagine predicting FSU to score 33 points when in the previous 3 games combined they had scored a total of 39 points.
At this point, I think Leon High School could whip the Noles. The team has quit on Uiagalelei. He was a bust... and it's time to realize that and move forward on a rebuild. I still believe that Norvell is the right man for the job, but he made a bad move to DJ. Remember, Mike...
It's not that you made a mistake... it's all about recognizing that you made a mistake, and then moving forward to correct it.
FAMU should add FSU to their schedule. Or the Jaguars.
They might win.