Florida State's Struggles, Now Face SMU on the Rise

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From SportsGrid College Football Today

Florida State's Struggles and the Upcoming SMU Game

Florida State, coming off a less-than-stellar performance against New Mexico State, is facing a critical match in ACC play against a ranked SMU team. Despite winning 34-17 against New Mexico State, the victory felt unsatisfactory, and the team looked uninspiring. This game was particularly frustrating for those who bet on the higher score, expecting a more dominant performance from Florida State.

The discussion highlighted the multiple struggles faced by Florida State, pointing out that it is not just about the lack of current performance but also systemic issues within their sports program. This includes financial constraints which affect decisions like retaining head coach Mike Norvell, despite a desire to replace him, and the inability to improve their recruitment due to these financial restrictions.

Looking ahead to the game against SMU, Florida State is portrayed as the underdog. SMU, ranked 25th in returning production, boasts strengths that could exploit Florida State’s weaknesses. The analysis predicts a strong performance from SMU, especially given their advantages in defensive and offensive lines. Historical stats were cited, suggesting that teams playing their season opener against opponents who have already played tend to perform well, which could further tip the scales in SMU's favor.

Overall, the segment suggests that Florida State has been unable to adapt to the evolving landscape of college football, which has led to their current unfavorable position. With ongoing issues both on and off the field, the outlook for their upcoming game against SMU is not optimistic.