SMU Edges Florida State 27-24 After Power Outage
| Final score | SMU 27, Florida State 24 |
|---|---|
| Winning play | 20-yard field goal by Nick Reed with 21 seconds remaining |
| Game delay | Nearly two hours due to a stadium power outage |
| Key performer | SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns |
19th-ranked Southern Methodist University secured a 27-24 win over Florida State on Monday night after a game interrupted by a stadium power failure. Quarterback Kevin Jennings orchestrated a drive late in the fourth quarter to set up kicker Nick Reed for a decisive 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds left on the clock.
Stoppage and Offensive Output
The game at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, was halted for nearly two hours when power went out. Despite the long delay and throwing two interceptions, Jennings led the SMU offense, completing 26 of 36 passes for 430 yards and three touchdowns during the season opener.
SMU amassed 585 yards of total offense and converted 8 of 14 third-down opportunities. Jennings distributed passes to nine receivers throughout the match. Yannick Smith recorded five catches for 107 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown reception. Jalen Cooper caught a 50-yard touchdown pass, and Florida State transfer Randy Pittman caught a 10-yard touchdown pass.
Game Finish and Player Reactions
SMU put together two scoring drives in the fourth quarter to overcome earlier mistakes. Speaking after the game on field to ESPN, Jennings stated, “We executed at the end of the game. That’s what mattered.” On the postgame broadcast, Jennings added that his objective was to “find the open guy” and let his teammates play.
Background
The loss leaves Florida State with a 1-1 record on the season, while SMU begins its season 1-0. SMU will next host UC Davis in Dallas on Saturday for its home opener.
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