FSU football struggles on offense; defense wasn't much better vs SMU

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Florida State spent much of Monday night chasing the game, but after battling back to tie SMU in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles could not find one final stop or scoring drive.

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In a game delayed by a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium and stretched deep into the night, FSU showed more resilience than it did in its season opener. However, the same issues that have plagued the Seminoles through two games, inconsistent quarterback play, offensive line struggles and third-down defensive lapses, resurfaced in a 27-24 loss to SMU.

The Seminoles dropped to 1-1 on the season despite erasing multiple deficits and tying the game at 24 before the Mustangs answered with the decisive touchdown drive.

Here are the grades from Florida State's loss to SMU.

Quarterback Ashton Daniels: D+

Daniels spent much of the night under constant pressure and rarely looked comfortable in the pocket. While there were flashes of playmaking ability, including a quarterback keeper for a touchdown and several throws into tight coverage, consistency remained an issue.

Too often, Daniels held onto the ball too long, leading to unnecessary pressure and missed opportunities. Several receivers came open during critical moments, but the timing and decision-making never fully materialized. His mobility helped keep drives alive, but it was not enough to elevate an offense that struggled to generate explosive plays through the air.

Offense: D+

For the second consecutive game, Ousmane Kromah was the engine of Florida State's offense.

The sophomore running back eclipsed the 100-yard mark again and scored a six-yard touchdown that tied the game at 17. Outside of Kromah's production and Daniels' scrambling ability, however, the Seminoles generated little offensive rhythm.

SMU held Florida State to fewer than 100 passing yards and consistently disrupted the Seminoles' offensive timing. The offensive line continued to be a concern, allowing pressure throughout the night and failing to provide the consistency needed to establish a balanced attack.

Through two games, Florida State's offense remains heavily dependent on Kromah to create production.

Defense: C

Despite missing key contributors, including defensive lineman Darryll Desir, Florida State's defense delivered an uneven but improved performance.

The Seminoles struggled on third down in the first half as SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings repeatedly extended drives through the air and on the ground. Jennings consistently found ways to escape pressure and keep the chains moving.

However, the defense adjusted after halftime. Florida State generated more pressure, tightened its coverage and forced two crucial turnovers.

Quindarrius Jones recovered a first-quarter fumble, while the Seminoles later intercepted Jennings in the end zone to halt a scoring opportunity and swing momentum back in Florida State's favor.

The Seminoles still surrendered significant yardage, but unlike the opener, the defense produced timely plays that gave the offense opportunities to win the game.

Special Teams: B+

Florida State's biggest momentum swing came from its special teams unit.

Daniel Hughes' squib punt helped create a forced fumble on a tackle by Max Redmon, and Germani Sands recovered the loose ball deep in SMU territory. The turnover directly led to points and helped keep Florida State within striking distance.

Gabe Panikowski also connected on a 46-yard field goal in the second quarter, providing another positive moment for one of the Seminoles' most reliable units on the night.

Coaching: C

Mike Norvell and his staff faced unusual circumstances after a lengthy power outage interrupted the game, yet Florida State responded well enough to remain competitive until the final minutes.

Still, questions surrounding the offense persist. The Seminoles again struggled to generate a consistent passing attack and failed to capitalize on several opportunities created by the defense. Frustration from the home crowd was evident throughout the night as boos echoed following stalled drives and conservative play-calling.

Defensively, coordinator Tony White deserves credit for halftime adjustments that helped slow SMU's offense and create turnover opportunities. However, third-down defense remains a major concern through two games.

Final grade: C-

Florida State showed more fight than it did in its opener and nearly turned an exhausting, late-night affair into a statement comeback. The problem is that moral victories do little to change the bigger picture.

The Seminoles remain a team searching for offensive identity. Kromah has emerged as a reliable foundation in the running game, but until Florida State finds greater consistency at quarterback and along the offensive line, opposing defenses will continue loading the box and daring the Seminoles to beat them through the air.

The defense took a step forward after halftime, but recurring issues on third down and explosive plays allowed prevent Florida State from fully controlling games.

There were signs of improvement Monday night. There were also many of the same problems that surfaced throughout the first two weeks. With a road trip to Alabama looming, Florida State leaves Week 2 with evidence it can compete, but also with clear proof that significant improvements are still needed if the Seminoles hope to contend in the ACC.

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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol. 

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