SMU at Florida State

The decisive matchup is SMU’s protection against Florida State’s front. The Mustangs spent spring sorting out left tackle among Andrew Chamblee, Dramodd Odoms and Max Wright, though PJ Williams gives the line a recognized anchor. Florida State can attack that uncertainty with Darryll Desir, an All-America freshman last season, and Mandrell Desir, who produced 6.5 sacks in 2025. If SMU keeps Jennings comfortable, he can test a Seminoles secondary replacing multiple roles, with Yamir Knight returning after 54 catches. If the Desirs disrupt the pocket without heavy help, Tony White can keep his pressure and disguise package intact.

SMU controls the game by staying ahead of the chains, protecting Jennings’ blind side and forcing Florida State’s rebuilt back end to cover for extended stretches. The Mustangs also need their reworked defensive front—featuring additions such as Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder and Marques White—to contain Daniels rather than let his legs rescue broken plays. Florida State’s cleanest path is the opposite: use Daniels’ dual-threat ability to simplify the burden on an offensive line replacing all five starters, then create favorable touches for proven targets Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy. Defensively, the Seminoles need early-down disruption from the Desir-led front so Jennings cannot dictate tempo and isolate unsettled coverage pieces.