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FSU's DJ Uiagalelei and HC Norvell are mocked by CFB fans after losing in SMU's first ACC game | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

FSU's DJ Uiagalelei and HC Norvell are mocked by CFB fans after losing in SMU's first ACC game | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

DALLAS, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 28: DJ Uiagalelei #4 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up before the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Southern Methodist University celebrated the start of conference play in its first ACC season by upsetting Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell.

The SMU defense tackled FSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei three times en route to a 42-16 win over the visitors.

Uiagalelei's third interception was returned 82 yards for a touchdown.

Uiagalelei connected on 12 of 30 pass attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns and threw three interceptions before being replaced by backup Brock Glenn after the pick-six in the fourth quarter.

Undefeated attitude 🍢🍢🍢 @Eberly_M

DJ Uiagalelei may be a good kid, but if you're throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, that's potentially a big problem.

Florida State is now off to a 1-4 start in Mike Norvell's fifth season with the team. The loss drops his overall record in Tallahassee to 32-21.

Norvell, who led the Seminoles to three straight winning seasons between 2021 and 2023, signed an eight-year contract extension with FSU last year, which would require a buyout should the team attempt to part ways with him before 2029.

trunole77 @trunole77

All defense was stopped. Mike Norvell completely lost this team. I've felt like Miami for the last 20 years. No hope.

Norvell leads a roster still reeling from the loss of 10 players to the 2024 NFL Draft, including quarterback Jordan Travis, receiver Keon Coleman and defensive end Jared Verse.

Uiagalelei, who began his college career with three seasons at Clemson and one at Oregon State before transferring to FSU prior to the 2024 season, has had difficulty getting to grips with the Seminoles' offense so far while working to fit into Travis' previous role to hatch.

Thanks to previous wins over Nevada, Houston Christian and TCU, SMU's record now improves to 4-1. The team's only loss this season came against No. 22 BYU in Week 2.

Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings completed 16 of 23 for 254 yards and three touchdowns to secure the victory.

ACC play continues next Saturday as Florida State faces an even tougher conference opponent when No. 17 Clemson arrives in Tallahassee.

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