Rutgers was overwhelmed by UMass. Michigan was outplayed by Western Michigan for 60 minutes before getting an extra second and a second-chance Hail Mary. FCS programs Tarleton State, The Citadel and Idaho State pulled off upsets over FBS schools (Bowling Green, Charlotte and Utah State, respectively).
We were told this wasn't the best week 1 schedule. Perhaps LSU-Clemson didn't live up to the big-game billing on a Louisiana Saturday night. But we had countless games that went down to the wire on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in an expanded weekend of college football.
With this as perspective, we ask some questions after a win: How much do we make of the positives and concerns from FSU's opener against New Mexico State? How much of the concerns are fixable? How much are personnel worries and indicate changes should be coming? How much of it can be chalked up to 10 new transfers starting, including six on offense? And how much of it is very tough to tell given that we've seen just 60 minutes of FSU football?
It's a small sample size. But it's also all the media and fans have right now until FSU kicks off the final game of the weekend, against No. 19 SMU on Labor Day (7:30 p.m. on ESPN).
Before we contemplate what's fixable, the availability report gives a glimpse of the personnel who may not be able to play Monday. FSU's coaches list safety K.J. Kirkland as doubtful, freshmen defensive backs Chuck Kennon and Jordan Crutchfield as out with cornerback Quindarrius Jones and rover Ashlynd Barker as probable. Notre Dame transfer Karson Hobbs is out for the season.
The prospect of FSU playing SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings and a prolific pass offense with a shorthanded secondary is concerning. But with Quindarrius Jones and Barker listed as probable, it's encouraging to think one or both will be able to go.
Defensive lineman Darryll Desir is also questionable, which would thin out depth on the line.
What's correctable?
New Mexico State converted 10 of 17 third-down plays, with Trey Hedden completing nine straight passes on those instances. A Tampa native back in his home state, even one who was an FCS standout last year at Furman, shouldn't have been so comfortable. Hedden was pressured often but sacked just three times and was far too accurate.
Defensive coordinator Tony White feels the communication issues are correctable, and he's right. That job is far easier if Barker and/or Kirkland are playing.
“Both of those touchdowns are easily correctable,” FSU alumni defensive back Keith Jones said on this week’s “Front Row Noles / Seminole Sidelines” show. “And they’re all above the shoulders.”
Jones said he didn’t think FSU’s defense displayed a “sense of urgency” on third downs in the opener.
“It’s the first game of the year. And overall you’ve got 62 new players on this squad,” Jones said. “I don’t think I met 62 new players in my four years at Florida State.”
What moves should FSU make?
FSU enjoyed six scoring drives on nine opportunities. The Seminoles had a 200-yard rushing day. But Ashton Daniels was under pressure nearly every time he looked downfield.
Was Daniels guilty of holding on to the ball too long as he works through his progressions? No doubt. But there were times when FSU's linemen didn't protect and too often the tight ends were needed to shore up the edges. (That also limits the available pass-catchers.)
Right tackle Chimdia Nwaiwu struggled as he made the jump against tougher competition. And it will be more intense on Monday against SMU's transfer-infused front. Should coach Mike Norvell and offensive line coach Herb Hand make the move to Nate Pabst, who played right guard and right tackle at Bowling Green? There's an argument for why they should as well as consider Paul Bowling at guard or Jonathan Daniels at tackle.
We don't have the luxury of seeing FSU's scrimmages and practices to see what the other options look like. But FSU needs to determine if Nwaiwu is the answer at tackle (or guard) now or if he is still in need of practice time to develop.
Left guard Andre' Otto also struggled to protect and was flagged for a 15-yard penalty (tripping) on a play where FSU scored a rushing touchdown. Bowling, who started for Troy as a freshman in 2025, is also an option if FSU looks to sit Otto.
FSU's warmed up, SMU makes its debut
We contemplated in the summer whether playing a Week Zero game would be an advantage for FSU, along similar lines to a 2022 game against Duquesne and a matchup vs. LSU at New Orleans a week later. SMU has not played a game, although both teams opened camp at roughly the same time.
Who has the edge? Is it FSU after playing a Week Zero game. The argument for that is 26 Seminoles made their debut and were able to work through first-game jitters. Coaches now have film to review, off a win, and they have players' attention as they work to correct mistakes in the film room and on the practice field.
On the flip side, Lashlee and the staff have film of the Seminoles. FSU has a variety of film on Jennings and is familiar with Randy Pittman, the tight end transfer now on SMU. But the defense and SMU's transfers are less known. Maurice Crum Jr. was promoted to co-defensive coordinator (and is the play caller) in a scheme that should be similar to the 2025 group. But how similar?
Biggest concern
SMU has the better quarterback in Jennings as well as a more experienced, cohesive line. Rhett Lashlee is a dangerous play-caller and has a wide range of skill talent at receiver and tight end, too.
This has the makings of a shootout. Can FSU win a 34-31 game? With a full secondary, yes. Without a full secondary, it will be a long night.
For FSU and Norvell, this would be a massive win over a ranked team and open ACC play 1-0. Norvell would also be able to hit the pressure release valve on him — he had just four wins over Power 4 teams in 2024-25 — as well as the Seminoles.
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