Dallas, TX –Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for a career-high three touchdowns, and Kobe Wilson returned one of SMU’s three interceptions for an 82-yard score as the Mustangs defeated Florida State 42-16 on Saturday night in their ACC debut, in front of a packed crowd.
Jennings connected on touchdown passes of 11 and 15 yards to RJ Maryland, along with a 42-yard flea-flicker touchdown to Jordan Hudson.
“It’s great to get a win against any team,” Jennings said. “But for it to be our ACC opener, at home, with a packed stadium—it means a lot to the city of Dallas.”
Former President George W. Bush, a Dallas resident, handled the pregame coin toss.
Jennings completed 16 of 23 passes for a career-best 254 yards. On the flea flicker, Roderick Daniels Jr. tossed the ball back to Jennings, who launched it downfield to a backpedaling Hudson, who caught it at the 10-yard line and cruised into the end zone.
Wilson’s interception came between the hash marks. He raced to the right sideline, broke a tackle near midfield, and hurdled a teammate as he made his way to the end zone.
“I saw nothing but open field, but then I saw defenders coming at me and got a little scared,” Wilson admitted. “I thought I might go down, but the next thing I knew, I was in the end zone. It happened so fast.”
Brashard Smith and Roderick Daniels Jr. added rushing touchdowns of 13 and 2 yards, respectively, for SMU (4-1, 1-0). Daniels’ touchdown capped off a drive extended by a facemask penalty on Florida State’s Omarion Cooper during a punt from SMU’s 26-yard line.
Smith, a transfer from Miami, led the Mustangs with a season-high 129 rushing yards, despite missing most of the second quarter due to injury.
SMU’s 467 total yards were the most any team had gained against the defending conference champions this season.
Florida State’s DJ Uiagalelei struggled, completing just 12 of 30 passes for 222 yards, with three interceptions and two touchdown passes of 9 yards to Kentron Poitier and 20 yards to Landen Thomas. Uiagalelei was replaced by Brock Glenn in the final minutes.
The Seminoles also scored on a safety at the end of the first half when SMU long snapper Will Benton IV launched the ball over punter Isaac Pearson’s head and out of the end zone.
