Florida State football will face another Atlantic Coast Conference newcomer for the second week in a row.
This time, it’s on the road.
FSU travels to Dallas for its first ACC road game at SMU (3-1) Saturday. Like Cal last week at Doak Campbell Stadium, it is its first-ever meeting between the teams and will be the Mustangs’ conference opener.
SMU coach Rhett Lashlee is familiar with the Seminoles as a former offensive coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes. He also respects Mike Norvell for his achievements at FSU.
During his weekly press conference, Lashlee didn’t waste any time addressing FSU’s defense, believing it would be the Mustangs’ toughest challenge yet.
“I feel pretty confident saying in my time here that this is without question the most athletic and fastest team we have played, and it’s probably the most athletic and fastest team that’s come to Ford Stadium,” Lashlee said.
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SMU is coming off an impressive 66-42 victory over its in-state rival TCU. The Mustangs average 42.3 points a game, ranking them in the top five in the ACC.
“Sometimes the scariest teams are the ones that have so much talent and just haven’t clicked yet,” Lashlee said. “I mean, nobody missed on the preseason project projections in terms of talent.”
FSU’s offense is one of the worst in the country. Even after a 14-9 victory, the Seminoles only produced 284 yards of offense, slightly above its season average of 276.5 yards on offense, ranking them 126th nationally.
FSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has a 2/3 touchdown-interception ratio and has completed 57.1 percent of his passing for 843 yards. Lashee was asked about FSU’s offense and Norvell continuing to run with Uiagalelei as his quarterback.
“They’ve been struggling, but I mean, last year DJ was excellent at Oregon State, so it’s in there, and it’s only a matter of time for it all clicks,” Lashlee said.
“They got a win last week. They got some momentum, so these are the scary, dangerous ones to look at because you know perceptional people go, ‘oh they’re struggling.’ There’s plenty of talent over there.”
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SMU’s defense has allowed an average of 317.8 yards. The Mustangs are also in the top three in the ACC in turnovers, including six interceptions and five forced fumbles, and No. 1 in fumble recovery.
