SMU Mustangs Football

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee stood firm in his belief that his team deserved its place in the 12-team College Football Playoff despite a 38-10 blowout loss to Penn State in the first round on Saturday.

"We didn't play very good today. But this team is a quality team," Lashlee told reporters post-game. "We were a good team, we earned our spot here, deserved to be here."

Final.#PonyUp | @DriveSewell pic.twitter.com/sxpU1eeZmp

— SMU Football (@SMUFB) December 21, 2024

The SMU Mustangs were overwhelmed in the first half, being outscored 28-0 by Penn State, sparking debate among college football fans about their legitimacy in the playoff field.

After their lackluster first half, Lashlee acknowledged the assumptions people might make about their place in the playoffs but maintained it was merely an off-day defensive struggle.

"People are gonna see the scoreboard of the halftime score and say things like, 'They shouldn't been in or didn't belong,'" Lashlee told reporters. We had our opportunities to make it the game it should have been, which was a really good defensive struggle."

Among college football fans, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin added fuel to the fire, taking to social media to troll the committee's decision to exclude the Rebels from the postseason and question SMU's inclusion over his team.

Way to keep us on the edge of our seats Committee …. Riveting

— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) December 21, 2024

One of the biggest controversies surrounding SMU's inclusion was the absence of several SEC teams that failed to make the cut. However, with three losses on their résumés, it's difficult to sympathize with teams that didn't take care of business during the regular season.

Despite the criticism, Lashlee's confidence in his team extends to his starting quarterback, Kevin Jennings, who struggled against Penn State on Saturday. Jennings completed 20-of-36 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in the loss.

After the game, Lashlee walked straight to his sophomore quarterback and embraced him, saying, "I believe in you. Everyone believes in you."

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee had a long embrace with Kevin Jennings coming off the field, told him, “I believe in you. Everyone believes in you.” pic.twitter.com/hoONauvioO

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 21, 2024

SMU's season was remarkable despite its disappointing ending. The Mustangs achieved back-to-back 11-win seasons, went 8-0 in their inaugural ACC campaign and earned their first College Football Playoff berth in school history.

James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions earned a trip to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals with an emphatic first-round victory.

The Nittany Lions brought in three turnovers in Saturday's first half on their way to a 38-10 rout of SMU.

PENN STATE DOMINATES IN THE FIRST ROUND 😤@PennStateFball cruises to victory vs SMU and will play in the CFP Quarterfinals 🙌 pic.twitter.com/opKCfkbIve

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 21, 2024

Penn State opened the scoring when Dominic DeLuca returned an interception for a 23-yard touchdown on SMU's second drive of the game.

PENN STATE WITH AN EARLY PICK-SIX 🔥

BEAVER STADIUM IS LOUD 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/VX9iQPmwN8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

The Mustangs' next possession ended in a punt, and linebacker Tony Rojas turned their following drive into a 59-yard interception return.

PENN STATE WITH ANOTHER PICK-SIX 😱

NITTANY LIONS ARE UP 14-0‼️ pic.twitter.com/w72a9NsMoB

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

DeLuca hauled in another interception to cap off the second quarter and force SMU to concede its third turnover of the game.

PENN STATE GETS THEIR 3RD INT OF THE FIRST HALF 😳

WHAT IS HAPPENING?! pic.twitter.com/Jh9Gf9dWqU

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

SMU’s leading receivers:

1. Tony Rojas* - 59 yds
2. Dominic DeLuca* - 23 yds
3. Roderick Daniels Jr. - 20 yds

*plays for Penn State

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 21, 2024

Why is Penn State bothering with transfer receivers?

Just put Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas out wide.

— Sam Fremin (@SamFremin) December 21, 2024

Former walk-on Dominic DeLuca with two picks in the biggest game of his life pic.twitter.com/mQAc7obPUN

— Jake B 〽️ (@MichFootballBEL) December 21, 2024

The Nittany Lions had claimed such a comfortable lead by the final 15 minutes that they started putting depth players out onto the field.

These changes included pulling Drew Allar in favor of backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, as well as slotting in freshman defenders who allowed SMU's first touchdown of the game.

Penn state put in their backup QB with 10:42 left in the 4th🤣

— Jules (@julietb514) December 21, 2024

Penn State bringing the backups in with a whole quarter left is hilarious and embarrassing

— ShroomDoggyDogg (@sovreignphilos1) December 21, 2024

SMU scoring a garbage time touchdown to cut the Penn State lead to 38-10 pic.twitter.com/fUGwjd8lx6

— Justin DeSales (@JustinDeSales) December 21, 2024

Penn State's ability to rest Allar and other starters boosted fans' hopes of how far the Nittany Lions are destined to go in the first expanded playoff.

Penn State is now set to face Boise State, and a run game led by Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty, at the upcoming Fiesta Bowl.

Penn State didn’t even need Allar or Warren today 😂

Boise State has 0 chance

— Jargo (@Jargo26) December 21, 2024

Penn State about to cake walk to the semi finals. They are going to roll through Boise State

— IamStillHere (@DoBetterBeMore) December 21, 2024

Hope Boise State is ready for our Penn State defense! I don’t think Ashton Jeanty is going to have much luck running on us. The Heisman snub might be tough, but we’re still locking it down! 🦁💪 #WeAre #PennState #CFBPlayoff

— CMG$$ (@BoomerG2892) December 21, 2024

Penn State’s defense against Jeanty will be a fun watch

— Preston Hiefield (@PC_Hiefield) December 21, 2024

Boise State fans meanwhile questioned whether Saturday's blowout of SMU showed Penn State is ready to unseat a top-four seed.

The Nittany Lions' run defense, which held the Mustangs to 58 rushing yards on Saturday, is now slated to face a tough challenge in Jeanty. The Broncos star averaged 192 rushing yards per game during the regular season.

https://twitter.com/BraydonMiller15/status/1870563574772535348

Boise State can absolutely hang with Penn State. At a neutral field, I like our chances. Go Broncos.

— Joshua Evenson (@evenson_joshua) December 21, 2024

Penn State better fix this tackling problem they got or Jeanty gonna have a field day on them🤣

— Imari Smith (@_8Mariii) December 21, 2024

Boise State has to be licking their chops watching this game. They are going to HANDLE Penn State #CFBPlayoff

— Andrew Cappuzzello (@AndrewCapp_) December 21, 2024

I’ve seen nothing today from Penn State that concerns me as a Boise State fan.

— Dayton Robison (@DaytonRobison) December 21, 2024

The Fiesta Bowl will mark the first time Penn State and Boise State have faced one another. A trip to the semifinals will be on the line when these two teams kick off in State College on Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The College Football Playoff spotlight is proving to be extremely bright for SMU and quarterback Kevin Jennings.

Jennings finished the first half 9-of-19 for 77 yards and three interceptions against Penn State, with two of them being returned for touchdowns to help the Nittany Lions take a commanding 28-0 lead into the intermission.

The first interception came when Jennings seemed to expect Brashard Smith to run a different route than he took, giving Dominic DeLuca an easy pick-six.

PENN STATE WITH AN EARLY PICK-SIX 🔥

BEAVER STADIUM IS LOUD 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/VX9iQPmwN8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

Jennings' second pick-six seemed like he just didn't recognize Tony Rojas was wearing a Penn State jersey.

PENN STATE WITH ANOTHER PICK-SIX 😱

NITTANY LIONS ARE UP 14-0‼️ pic.twitter.com/w72a9NsMoB

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

Respectfully, that is one of the worst throws I have ever seem.

— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) December 21, 2024

DeLuca got his second interception of the game deep in Penn State territory on a batted pass that Jennings reacted to in anger after the Nittany Lions linebacker was tackled.

PENN STATE GETS THEIR 3RD INT OF THE FIRST HALF 😳

WHAT IS HAPPENING?! pic.twitter.com/Jh9Gf9dWqU

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

Fan response to Jennings' woeful half was about what you would expect with a lot of jokes and memes, but also some sympathy for just how bad things got.

This is painful to watch for Jennings.

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 21, 2024

I really like Kevin Jennings.
He has a bright future.
He will have SMU back in playoffs before he leaves.
But at the present he doesn't have the man power or confidence to beat this type of defense on the road

— Your Fav Sports Bettor’s Fav Sports Bettor (@FIVESTARINVEGAS) December 21, 2024

Kevin Jennings after throwing a pick pic.twitter.com/af1cwFb59U

— JJ McCarthy Fan (@JJOneOfOne) December 21, 2024

Kevin Jennings against Penn pic.twitter.com/7bJ6XECiPn

— Riley ❄️ (@rileysbetter) December 21, 2024

Kevin Jennings and SMU's POV in the first half vs Penn State: pic.twitter.com/LNKt3m0N2K

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 21, 2024

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee is in a unique spot if he wanted to make a change at quarterback because of how poorly Jennings was playing.

Preston Stone, who was the Mustangs' starter in 2023 and the first game in 2024, announced on Dec. 10 that he was entering the transfer portal but would finish out this season with the team.

pic.twitter.com/KjKJbopZTo

— Preston Stone (@_prestonstone) December 11, 2024

The Athletic's Chris Vannini did note Stone is in uniform and eligible to play against Penn State.

SMU backup QB Preston Stone is in the portal but he's suited up and available. Just saying.

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 21, 2024

It's impossible to say things would be better with Stone under center, but there are some indications that Jennings is feeling the pressure of the moment.

SMU's first drive ended with a turnover on downs when Jennings had an angle to run for a first down on fourth-and-1 from Penn State's 19-yard line, but at the last moment he decided to float a pass to Matthew Hibner.

It wasn't a bad decision because Hibner broke free from coverage and was open for what should have been a touchdown, but the pass from Jennings forced Hibner to turn his body back inside. Hibner bobbled the ball before being hit by Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley for an incomplete pass.

This is the second straight game that Jennings has had early turnover issues. He gave the ball away twice in the first half of the ACC Championship Game against Clemson, leading to SMU falling behind by 17 points.

The Mustangs were able to mount a second-half comeback to tie the game in the fourth quarter before Clemson got a field as time expired for a 34-31 win.

Jennings and SMU will need an even more heroic effort in the second half on Saturday against Penn State to keep its season alive.

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 202

---

POSITIVES

— Very good downhill player who triggers quickly to what he sees. Aggressively takes on blocks and throws his body into tackles.

— High-IQ player with good overall instincts in both run and pass. Plays with a good understanding of scheme and where he fits in it.

— Good ball skills paired with strong hands to pluck the ball out of the sky. High points and attacks the ball in the air.

---

NEGATIVES

— Tight in space, slower to redirect and lacks ability to fluidly flip his hips. Limited burst and twitch in coverage. Doesn't have great range when playing as a deep safety.

— Lack of elite athleticism shows up when tackling. At times he stops his feet and dives at the legs of ball-carriers, which can lead to missed tackles or extra yards.

---

NOTES

— Born N/A

— 3-Star recruit in the 2031 class, per 247Sport

---

OVERALL

Isaiah Nwokobia is a physical and instinctive safety prospect out of SMU who has carved out a reputation as a downhill player. At 6'1" and 202 pounds, Nwokobia combines an aggressive play style with high football IQ, making him a valuable asset in run defense and underneath coverage schemes. While his athletic profile may not jump off the charts, his ability to diagnose plays and consistently position himself around the ball makes him a reliable contributor.

Nwokobia's strength lies in his downhill play and aggression against the run. He triggers quickly to his reads, attacking running lanes with speed and decisiveness. His physicality allows him to take on and shed blocks, often setting the edge or plugging gaps effectively. Nwokobia's tackling technique is solid when within a short distance, as he routinely throws his body into contact and runs his feet through tackles. However, when coming from a distance, his lack of elite athleticism can show, leading to missed tackles or additional yardage for the ball-carrier. Despite these occasional lapses, Nwokobia excels in the box, where his instincts and physical play style shine.

In coverage, Nwokobia thrives in underneath zone schemes, where his instincts and football IQ allow him to anticipate routes and jump plays. He showcases good ball skills, consistently putting himself in position to capitalize on poorly placed throws, and attacks the ball in the air with strong hands. While effective in shorter and intermediate zones, his range as a deep safety is limited by his lack of burst and top-end speed. Additionally, Nwokobia's tight hips and slower redirection ability make him vulnerable in space, particularly when tasked with covering dynamic receivers or tight ends downfield. His physicality in coverage allows him to disrupt timing, but it also limits his ability to stay fluid against quick changes in direction.

Isaiah Nwokobia projects as a later-round pick with the potential to become a reliable role player in sub-packages and special teams early in his career. His ability to diagnose plays and contribute in run support makes him a fit for teams that utilize a box safety or rely heavily on zone coverage schemes. While his athletic limitations may cap his upside in man coverage or as a single-high safety, his instincts, physicality, and ball skills give him a pathway to carve out a consistent role in the NFL.

---

GRADE: 6.5 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 134

POSITION RANK: S13

PRO COMPARISON: Geno Stone

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

---

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Perhaps if Alabama had remained competitive against 6-6 Oklahoma instead of failing to score a single touchdown in a 24-3 blowout, it would be preparing for the College Football Playoff.

Instead, it is an SMU team that lost by just three points in each of its two defeats getting ready for a potential run at a championship.

To hear College Football Playoff chairman Warde Manuel tell it, the Mustangs keeping things close in their three-point losses to BYU and Clemson played a factor in their inclusion in the 12-team field over the Crimson Tide.

"With that resume, losing two games by a total of six points" stood out, Manuel said during a Monday appearance on The Rich Eisen Show (two-minute mark). "They played Clemson down to, literally, the last second."

For SMU's sake, it is a good thing it put together an impressive comeback during Saturday's ACC Championship Game.

The Tigers jumped out to a 31-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but the Mustangs came storming back to tie it in the final minute. However, Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser drilled a 56-yard field goal as time expired to clinch the conference title and a spot in the CFP for his team.

It also helped that BYU ended up going 10-2 as a quality loss, while the Crimson Tide lost to 6-6 Vanderbilt in addition to the ugly 24-3 loss to the Sooners.

While Alabama had wins over Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri and LSU to fall back on, its three losses—two of which came against opponents it should have handled with relative ease—were too much to overcome.

And now SMU will have a chance to prove itself in a CFP showdown against Penn State while the Crimson Tide prepare for the Reliaquest Bowl against Michigan.

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said it would be "criminal" for the CFP selection committee to leave his team out of the playoff after Saturday's 34-31 ACC championship game loss to Clemson.

"It would be criminal if we are not in," Lashlee said, per Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. "It would be wrong not just to our team but to what college football stands for."

Lashlee added: "We could have not showed up, and according to what we saw Tuesday night, we'd be in. We showed it. We should be in. They know we should be in."

Rhett Lashlee says his team is in the locker room not just struggling with the loss but the possibility of being left out of the playoffs, when, he says, they shouldn't be:

"Their faith in the system is shaken."

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 8, 2024

SMU was ranked No. 8 and Clemson was ranked No. 17 in the most recent CFP rankings released Tuesday. The Tigers then claimed the ACC title with a game-winning field goal as time expired on Saturday night.

Clemson sacked SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings and recovered the fumble on the first drive of the game, setting the tone for the first half. The Mustangs gave up 14 points in the first five minutes and went into the halftime break trailing 24-7.

SMU spent the second half launching a comeback, culminating with Jennings sending a tying touchdown pass to Roderick Daniels Jr. with 16 seconds left on the clock.

But the Tigers made it within 56 yards of the field goal on their final possession of the game, and Nolan Hauser's kick sealed the Clemson victory.

WALK-OFF FG FOR CLEMSON!@ClemsonFB WINS THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆 pic.twitter.com/mtfjxbn5Z4

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2024

The loss marked the first time the Mustangs had trailed by more than 11 points this season, as noted by the Associated Press' Aaron Beard, as well as the team's first loss to an ACC opponent.

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips has been attempting to prepare the selection committee for this possibility. He said in a Thursday appearance on the ACC Network that SMU should "unequivocally" make the playoff regardless of Saturday's result.

"They're 11-1. They're 8-0 in the league," Phillips said. "The only Power 4 teams that went unblemished in conference play was Oregon and SMU."

The Ducks likely locked in their No. 1 seed after improving to 13-0 with a 45-37 Big Ten championship game win over Penn State on Saturday night.

SMU meanwhile dropped to join a bevy of two-loss teams fighting for an at-large bid to the expanded playoff.

Should the Mustangs be left out of the CFP, it would mark the second season in a row during which an ACC team was arguably snubbed. Florida State earned a 12-0 regular-season record and conference championship game victory last season before getting left out of the four-team playoff.

The final playoff bracket will be released on Sunday. The College Football Playoff selection show begins at noon ET.

The son of USC legend Matt Leinart committed to SMU on Wednesday, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3.

Leinart is a 3-star recruit and the No. 81 quarterback in 247Sports' rankings for the 2026 recruiting class. Colorado and Arizona were among the other schools that showed interest in the California native.

Leinart's father reacted to the news on social media:

Proud Dad ❤️ @Cole__Leinart https://t.co/l3KShnLYFp

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) November 6, 2024

His commitment comes after he made the trip to Dallas and watched the Mustangs upset No. 18 Pittsburgh 48-25. It was a great advertisement for head coach Rhett Lashlee and his offensive scheme as Kevin Jennings went 17-of-25 for 306 yards and two touchdowns.

Had a great time at @SMUFB game today. Thank you for having me. pic.twitter.com/ga6gMhcgFa

— Cole Leinart (@Cole__Leinart) November 3, 2024

Leinart cited the "culture" at SMU as a major factor behind his decision.

"I love the staff and everyone around the program," he said to On3's Steve Wiltfong. "It feels like a family."

Per MaxPreps, Leinart has 732 passing yards and nine touchdowns through his junior year at Redondo Union High School. He transferred in this summer after having started at Mater Dei and then moving to Newport Harbor.

Lashlee now has two commitments in his 2026 class with Leinart joining cornerback Victor Lincoln.

SMU defensive back AJ Davis was stretchered off the field and taken to a local hospital after suffering an injury that resulted in neck pain in the second quarter of Saturday night's home game against Pitt.

Davis appeared to suffer the injury after his helmet made contact with returner Tyreek Robinson on an attempted tackle.

SMU's AJ Davis has been put on a stretcher and taken into an ambulance.

Looks like Davis' head got clipped by the returner as he tried to make a tackle.

On TV, coach Rhett Lashlee pointed to the back of his own neck and appeared to tell SMU players "I think he's OK."

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) November 3, 2024

The ambulance is brought out for #SMU DB AJ Davis as Rhett Lashlee motions to his neck.

Great work here by medical staff to move quick. Davis' family is out there now, too. He'll be out of here pretty quickly to a local hospital.

Keep him in your thoughts tonight.

— Billy Embody (@BillyEmbody) November 3, 2024

The SMU redshirt sophomore was put into a neck brace while being loaded into the ambulance. Davis' family, all wearing his No. 14, came onto the field at Gerald J. Ford Stadium during the stoppage in play, per Vannini.

Lashlee said in an interview aired on the ACC Network that the team was "very optimistic" about Davis' status (h/t On3's Billy Embody.)

"We don't know for sure. He was moving everything, he was alert so that's positive," Lashlee said. "Obviously, he had some pain in his neck so they were just being extra cautious. That's the most I know so we're very optimistic, but obviously, pretty scary."

Davis, who joined SMU in 2022, is a Dallas local who was playing in his 20th game for the Mustangs. He had recorded four tackles and one pass defensed in eight games this season heading into Saturday's matchup with No. 18 Pitt.

Southern Methodist University celebrated the start of conference play in its inaugural ACC season by upsetting Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell.

SMU defenders picked off FSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei three times on their way to claiming a 42-16 win over the visitors.

CUE CLUB TAKEAWAY 🍾#PonyUpDallas pic.twitter.com/c4nJe29CNn

— SMU Football (@SMUFB) September 29, 2024

Tips. And. Overthrows.#PonyUpDallas pic.twitter.com/kcoCS0vfxn

— SMU Football (@SMUFB) September 29, 2024

Uiagalelei's third interception was returned 82 yards for a touchdown.

KOBE WILSON 82-YARD PICK SIX 🤯#PonyUpDallas pic.twitter.com/92KQ1oss2l

— SMU Football (@SMUFB) September 29, 2024

Uiagalelei connected on 12 of 30 pass attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions, before he was replaced by backup Brock Glenn after the pick-six in the fourth quarter.

DJ Uiagalelei might be a good kid , but when you throw more interceptions than TD's it's possibly a big problem.

— Unconquered Attitude 🍢🍢🍢 (@Eberly_M) September 29, 2024

Dabo winning 10 and 11 games with DJ Uiagalelei at QB shoulda got him coach of the year in hindsight

— Future Of The Retro (@TraeK_) September 29, 2024

Dj Uiagalelei and Hakeem Williams when it comes to miscommunication pic.twitter.com/C8OVP95bKF

— Ray Ray 🪼🪼 (@X__Rayy) September 29, 2024

DJ Uiagalelei is built like a linebacker and moves like a running back. Unfortunately for him, the first legal forward pass was thrown in 1906.

— Alterraun⚡ (@Hockfan445) September 29, 2024

DJ Uiagalelei has to be benched at some point, right?!

— Christian the Lion (@PsilentAssassin) September 29, 2024

DJ uiagalelei is a legend. He’s about to keep a starting job all season on a team that will win 2 games 😂

— lebby billings (@BillingsLebby) September 29, 2024

Florida State is now off to a 1-4 start in Mike Norvell's fifth season with the team. His overall record in Tallahassee drops to 32-21 with the loss.

Norvell, who led the Seminoles to winning seasons for three straight seasons between 2021 and 2023, signed an eight-year extension with FSU last year that would necessitate a buyout should the team seek to part ways with him prior to 2029.

Entire defense quit. Mike Norvell lost this team completely. I fell like Miami the last 20 years. No hope.

— trunole77 (@trunole77) September 29, 2024

Mike Norvell is putting his own career in jeopardy by willfully refusing to make any changes. If the same thing doesn’t work time and time again, why continue to keep doing it?

— Link Jarrett’s Burner 🍢 (@bgoodrich210) September 29, 2024

Mike Norvell absolutely fleeced FSU athletics

— Jagnole (@tylergottea) September 29, 2024

Mike Norvell looks like he doesn’t care anymore

— Jordan Bice (@JordanBice2) September 29, 2024

Mike Norvell looks like he just realized he's living in a simulation and none of this can possibly be real.

— 💫🅰️♈️🆔 (@ADavidHaleJoint) September 29, 2024

Mike Norvell has lost all of the good will from fans he has earned over the last 2 years. If there was a Worse Coach of the Year, Norvell would be the unanimous choice.

— JimBill (@jwnejnssn38x3) September 29, 2024

DJU hasn’t been amazing, but he’s been fine tonight. He wasn’t the problem. The problem is Mike Norvell and only Mike Norvell. He has no idea what he’s doing. Fire him.

— Sports Pessimist (@sportspessimism) September 29, 2024

I don’t know what happened with FSU. It took 4 years for Mike Norvell to build this team and in the 5th year it completely fell apart.

And it’s on him.

— Ryan Williams (@RyanAWilliams) September 29, 2024

Norvell is leading a squad still reeling from losing ten players to the 2024 NFL draft, including quarterback Jordan Travis, receiver Keon Coleman and defensive end Jared Verse.

Uiagalelei, who began his college career with three seasons at Clemson and one at Oregon State before transferring to FSU prior to the 2024 season, has so far struggled to click with the Seminoles' offense while working to step into Travis' former role.

Mike Norvell calling some of these plays like he has the same personnel from last year on the roster…

— Dru’Challa (@DruDilly) September 29, 2024

Mike Norvell is in over his head. Don’t let 2023 fool you.

— duvalnole (@duvalnole_) September 29, 2024

Mike Norvell owes Jordan Travis every penny of his new contract

— Orlando Magic Guru. (@OMagicGuru) September 29, 2024

Mike Norvell without Jordan Travis is Willie Taggart

— Producer Eric (@EMunoz_20) September 29, 2024

SMU's record meanwhile improves to 4-1 thanks to prior wins over Nevada, Houston Christian and TCU. The team's only loss of the season came to No. 22 BYU in Week 2.

Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings went 16-of-23 for 254 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

You have to give SMU credit. They didn’t look like a team that could compete week in and week out as an ACC member early, but this team continuing to improve. I like what I’m seeing from the Ponies #PonyUp #PonyUpDallas

— UltimateCFBpod (@cfb_ultimate) September 29, 2024

https://twitter.com/jtaylor4001/status/1840223764178502079

ACC play continues next Saturday as Florida State faces an even tougher conference opponent when No. 17 Clemson arrives in Tallahassee.

Norvell will have plenty of questions left to answer as the Seminoles offense seeks answers for the offensive struggles that have made them one of the least productive teams in the FCS so far this season.