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One of the biggest SMU–FSU matchups Monday will be in the trenches.

SMU ranked 4th in the ACC in rush defense in 2025, allowing 111.9 YPG and 3.2 YPC.

FSU ran for 217 yards (5.6 YPC) vs. NMSU, led by Ousmane Kromah’s 115 yards (8.2 YPC).

SMU’s new-look front features experienced transfers Marques White (50 tackles, 11 TFL, 5 sacks), Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder (3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks), Christian Davis (3.5 TFL) and Ira Singleton (2.5 sacks).

The talent is there, but this is a completely new unit that hasn’t played together. Can they replicate last year’s run defense against an FSU team that wants to establish the ground game?

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Fun fact,

In 1983, the Mustangs opened the season ranked No. 19 in the AP Poll.

They went 10–2, finished the season ranked No. 12, but fell short to end the year with a 28–7 loss to Alabama in the Sun Bowl.

Fast forward to 2026…

SMU is once again starting the season No. 19.

Can this year’s Mustangs finish the job and surpass what the 1983 team accomplished? Maybe an Alabama rematch in the CFP?!

#PonyUp

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@FSUHouseDivided All SMU needs to do is put all 11 guys on the field and they’ll be fine? High praise for the Noles Adam!

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Key for SMU’s defense vs. FSU:

Deuce Robinson shouldn’t scare you.

Overreacting to Deuce Robinson and getting burned on a throwback screen should.

Don’t be fooled like Miami and Pitt by a tunnel screen to a guy who runs a 4.70 40.

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@Fairbanksway11 You might want to check in with the rest of your fanbase.

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@Frisbie_Hendrix What makes you say that, Mr. President?

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The only thing more perfect than her is @Kevin8Jennings

[calvinklein @CalvinKlein]

in the perfect fit, nothing else matters.

Sadie Sink in the 90s Straight Jean. the fit of the decade, renewed for now.

[Boulevard Report @BoulevardReport]

If FSU gives SMU the same cushion as NMSU, attack the quick game early

If Kevin diagnoses pressure and keeps a TE/RB in, there are chances for explosive plays outside

FSU replaces 3 starters at DB. #6 Ja’Bril Rawls allowed 5-80-1 vs NMSU

Test him early. Let Jalen Cooper eat!

[Boulevard Report @BoulevardReport]

The biggest difference in SMU vs FSU from 2024: Tony White and his 3-3-5 defense

A key feature is the “Jack”—listed as a LB but primarily aligned on the line of scrimmage

White uses the Jack, LBs & DBs to create pressure from multiple looks

What does that look like on film…

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SMU faced a similar defensive structure vs Baylor last year, putting up 45 points

Baylor also used a heavy dose of second-level blitzes vs balanced formations

Kevin responded well—except for a prime example of what not to do in the final clip

So what should the plan be vs FSU?

[Boulevard Report @BoulevardReport]

Wisner came from a Texas offense that leaned heavily on gap-scheme runs, so it’s a concept he’s much more familiar and comfortable with.

Could FSU’s tendency to use gap concepts with Wisner be a potential tell that SMU’s front 7 can exploit?

[Boulevard Report @BoulevardReport]

Interesting note on FSU’s offense vs. NMSU:

The Seminoles deployed a 22-to-7 split between zone and gap-scheme runs.

3 of the 7 gap runs came from Texas transfer Quintrevion Wisner, who had 3 of his 4 carries on gap concepts.

Small sample, but worth watching for SMU because…