FSU football: Another week, same story for the Noles against SMU

The Florida State Seminoles continue to struggle in their 2024 campaign after going 13-0 just a year ago. The Noles got their teeth kicked in by SMU 42-16, and for the first time this season, we saw Brock Glenn get playing time.

FSU came into last night's matchup as 7-point underdogs, their first time not being favored all season. DJ Uiagalelei led a 75-yard opening TD drive, and the offense looked like they had some juice, but after that drive, the Noles failed to find the endzone until late in the third quarter. Uiagalelei continued his poor play, going 16 of 30 and throwing 3 INT's, including a pick-six.

All of FSU's losses have been very similar, with terrible QB play and the inability to stop the run, Norvell and the coaching staff are clearly struggling to make adjustments. SMU RB Breshard Smith ran for 129 yards, and he sat out most of the second quarter due to injury. The SMU offense was able to do nearly anything they wanted to the FSU defense, allowing a season-high 480 total yards.

The Noles offense failed to record 20 points for the fourth consecutive game, and were unable to establish the running game, as Lawrance Toafili ran the ball 15 times for only 67 yards. The offense was only 3-12 on third downs and was outgained in every single offensive statistic. FSU continued to look undisciplined and unmotivated, as Mike Norvell's team succumbed to 10 penalties for 79 yards. One of the only bright spots of the night was Uiagalelei's touchdown pass to freshman Landen Thomas, as the former 5-star recruit saw some playing time last night.

With FSU falling to 1-3 in conference play, the goal of repeating as ACC champions seems far gone and it doesn't seem like the bleeding will stop anytime soon, with the Noles hosting Clemson next Saturday night. With Uigalelei getting benched late in the game, Norvell will have a decision to make about who he trots out at QB next weekend.