{
  "id": 6234485,
  "title": "FSU squanders upset bid, falls to SMU 27-24 in ACC opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/fsu-squanders-upset-bid-falls-to-smu-27-24-in-acc-opener",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-08T04:41:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fsu-squanders-upset-bid-falls-044140482.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Florida State Seminoles suffered a disappointing 27-24 loss to No. 19 SMU in their ACC opener at Doak Campbell Stadium on Monday, September 7. The game was delayed by over 90 minutes due to a power outage, resulting in a lack of public address announcer, QB-to-coach helmet communication, and in-game replay. FSU struggled offensively, allowing SMU to dominate in total yards (585 to 324) and gain on the ground (328 to 165) in the first half. SMU's defense, which outgained FSU 328-165 in the first half, ultimately made the crucial stops in the second half to secure the win. Florida State's second-half defensive improvement could not overcome the team's inconsistent play calling and mediocre offensive execution, particularly on third down, which resulted in a 2-of-15 completion rate. Despite some bright spots like Ashton Daniels' clutch touchdown pass and Ousmane Kromah's game-tying touchdown, the Seminoles' offense fell short in their attempt to secure an upset victory.",
  "summary": "Florida State football dropped its ACC opener to No. 19 SMU, 27-24, in a game that was delayed following a power outage.",
  "key_points": [
    "Florida State Seminoles lose 27-24 to SMU in ACC opener",
    "Game delayed 90+ minutes due to power outage",
    "SMU defense secures win with crucial stops in second half"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The loss reveals that Florida State's inconsistent play calling and mediocre offense, particularly on third down, are significant hurdles to overcome for an upset victory against a strong opponent.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "5 questions, 5 answers: Takeaways after FSU squanders upset opportunity vs. SMU",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/5-questions-5-answers-takeaways-after-fsu-squanders-upset-opportunity",
        "published": "2026-09-08T05:22:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}