College football’s Week 1 slate for the 2026 season concludes on Monday night with an ACC showdown between SMU and Florida State. The Seminoles opened the year with a 34-17 victory over New Mexico State in Week 0. However, the pressure increases on Monday, as this matchup with the Mustangs is a crucial early game for positioning within the ACC.
After back-to-back losing seasons, it’s no secret that coach Mike Norvell is squarely on the hot seat in Tallahassee. The Week 0 victory didn’t quiet many of those in Tallahassee questioning the upside of this team. However, with a full week to correct mistakes and prepare for this matchup, Florida State has a chance to quiet some of the doubters. The list of concerns coming out of Week 0 was lengthy. Quarterback Ashton Daniels needs to play better than he did last week for the ‘Noles to win on Monday night. Additionally, both lines of scrimmage have to step up. Norvell’s team also needs to clean up its third-down mistakes and eliminate penalties.
SMU is 20-7 over the last two seasons under coach Rhett Lashlee and enters ‘26 as one of the favorites to play for the ACC title. Quarterback Kevin Jennings leads a prolific offense, but this team has new faces to break in at receiver. Also, a defense that lost coordinator Scott Symons and returns only four starters is a question mark.
SMU holds a 1-0 series edge over Florida State.
SMU vs. Florida State Odds and Info
Kickoff: Monday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: SMU -3
Over/Under: 53.5
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Steven Lassan: Was Florida State holding anything back in Week 0 knowing this huge ACC clash on Monday night was on tap? That’s the big question, especially since last week’s win over New Mexico State showcased numerous issues. Whether it’s problems in the trenches on both sides of the ball or an early willingness to give up big plays on defense, the Seminoles have to get a lot better in a hurry to make a bowl in 2026. Coach Mike Norvell has a deep backfield to lean on, and a rebuilt SMU defense could have its hands full with quarterback Ashton Daniels’ mobility. However, if Florida State’s defense has no answer to stop Kevin Jennings, it’s tough to see the ‘Noles winning this one. The Mustangs’ revamped defense will give up some yards and points. However, Jennings is the difference here, as SMU puts this one away in the fourth quarter on the strength of its senior quarterback.
Prediction: SMU 30, Florida State 23
Kyle Wood: Florida State has been one of the most hot-and-cold teams in college football over the last few years. During that window, SMU has been one of the most solid. I trust in Rhett Lashlee and Kevin Jennings to get it done on the road in Tallahassee, especially after the Seminoles’ too-close-for-comfort win over New Mexico State in Week 0.
Prediction: SMU 27, Florida State 20
