The Florida State Seminoles are gearing up for their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup of the season against the No. 19 SMU Mustangs. After a successful opening game against the New Mexico State Aggies in Week 0, the Seminoles will face a formidable challenge at Doak Campbell Stadium on Labor Day. This game marks a significant moment for both teams as they look to establish their presence in the ACC.
Florida State enters the contest as the underdog, with the Mustangs eager to make a strong statement in their season opener. SMU has been projected to finish second in the ACC, with aspirations of not only winning the conference but also securing a spot in the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years. With a roster featuring a mix of seasoned players and impactful transfers, SMU poses a serious threat to the Seminoles.
To better understand the challenge ahead for Florida State, here are five key players from the SMU Mustangs to watch:
Kevin Jennings - Quarterback
Kevin Jennings is entering his third season as the starting quarterback for the Mustangs and is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC. His dual-threat capability makes him particularly dangerous, having completed 65% of his passes for a staggering 7,709 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions over his career. Additionally, Jennings has rushed for 559 yards and 10 touchdowns. He previously had a standout performance against FSU in their 2024 meeting, and the Seminoles' defense will need to step up to contain his playmaking ability.
Alexander Kilgore - Linebacker
As a senior entering his fourth year with SMU, Alexander Kilgore has consistently improved, culminating in a solid performance last season with 60 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. Now a key leader in the Mustangs' linebacker corps, Kilgore will be critical in defending against the Seminoles' offensive strategies.
Kendrick Raphael - Running Back
Kendrick Raphael stands out as one of SMU's most significant transfers, joining the team after a breakout junior season with the California Golden Bears. He earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors after rushing for 943 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns on 232 carries. His ability to break through defenses will be crucial for SMU, and Florida State must focus on limiting his impact to avoid becoming one-dimensional.
Ahmaad Moses - Safety
Ahmaad Moses is a player to watch, although he is currently not on SMU's roster. A former All-American and All-ACC performer, Moses was set to enter the NFL Draft but opted to return for another season after an offseason surgery affected his eligibility. Recently granted a fifth year by a court, his potential return could significantly bolster SMU's secondary if he is cleared to play.
PJ Williams - Right Tackle
PJ Williams is recognized as one of the premier offensive linemen in the ACC and will present a considerable challenge for Florida State's defensive line, which faced difficulties against New Mexico State. With 39 games of experience and only allowing 4.0 sacks and 39 pressures in 1,171 pass-blocking snaps, Williams is a pivotal figure in protecting Jennings and facilitating the Mustangs' offensive game plan.
As the Seminoles prepare for this crucial matchup against SMU, the performance of these key players will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the outcome of the game.
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