Can Florida State's defensive line continue its dominance versus SMU?

Florida State defeated the California Golden Bears by a score of 14-9 in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium to get their first win of the 2024 season.

The Seminoles have to play another new addition to the ACC in the SMU Mustangs. Florida State's offense has struggled to move the football for the majority of the 2024 campaign with veteran transfer DJ Uiagalelei under center.

However, the defense has come alive in the last two weeks especially the defensive line. ESPN's Pete Thamel even expressed the fact that NFL scouts classified the position unit has one of the best defensive lines in the country.

The Seminoles' defensive line did not live up to the billing early often with the Georgia Tech and Boston College games, but something woke them up versus Memphis and California. Florida State had seven sacks and twelve tackles for loss against the Golden Bears.

Defensive ends Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr. had five sacks during the California game. The pass rushers showcased why they belong in the discussion as some of the top options in the conference.

Unfortunately for them, SMU ranks No. 18 in the FBS in sacks allowed with only three sacks in four games. They are also coming off a game with TCU where they beat them by a score of 66-42.

The Mustangs made the change at quarterback from Preston Stone to Kevin Jennings. The Oak Cliff, Texas native is certainly a viable threat with his legs where he had ten carries for 41 rushing yards.

Just like Georgia Tech, the Seminoles' defense will have to focus on containing ultra-talented running back Brashard Smith, who had 18 attempts for 127 yards and three touchdowns in their win. I hope that the defensive line can get the Mustangs's offense in third down and long situations.