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Florida State's 2026 loss to SMU exposed a third-down and passing limitation despite 199 rushing yards: FSU converted only 2 of 15 third downs with an average 6.2 yards to gain and produced 125 passing yards. Its third-down touchdown came on Samuel Singleton Jr.'s 39-yard run after a short completion, rather than sustained downfield passing success.
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The writer judges Ashton Daniels slow to process and release the ball through Florida State's first two 2026 games, arguing that quick middle-of-field throws with limited reads better suit him. The article questions confidence in the backup options but reports no announced quarterback change; those assessments are commentary, not a new depth chart.
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Florida State recorded two sacks in its opener and none against SMU, despite 15 credited quarterback hurries across the two games. The report identifies failure to finish pressure and secondary communication or coverage busts as linked problems behind the explosive passing plays allowed.
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Florida State scored only seven points from SMU's four turnovers, with that touchdown following a muffed punt and short field. SMU punted once and missed a field goal, so the 27-24 final was much closer than the underlying yardage and drive-control picture; the report treats that as a warning about FSU's ability to keep pace without takeaways.
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SMU's offense generated 585 yards against Florida State in 2026, including Kevin Jennings' 430 passing yards and 11 explosive plays worth 364 yards. SMU converted 8 of 14 third downs despite averaging 7.1 yards to gain, including 3 of 6 third-and-longs; that documents sustained and explosive production in this game, not a projection for its next opponent.