Florida State's struggles continue, Seminoles fall to 0-3

Tallahassee, Florida  — Florida State is proof that getting on the struggle bus is a lot easier than getting off.

In front of their home crowd Saturday, The Seminoles suffered an ugly 20 – 12 loss to The Memphis Tigers.

So, after posting a perfect 12 -0 record last season, FSU falls to 0 – 3 in 2024. It is the third time in program history Florida State has started the season 0 – 3. Two of those instances have been under the watch of Seminoles Head Coach, Mike Norvell (2021, 2024).

Florida State stumbled out of the gates against Memphis. On the second play of the game, FSU running back Roydell Williams fumbled the ball resulting in a field goal for Memphis. During the second quarter FSU quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei was picked off by Tahj Ra-El. Eight plays later, The Tigers converted the turnover into a touchdown.

Uiagalelei completed 16 of 30 passes for 201 yards and an interception. The fifth-year senior was under pressure for most of the day. Uiagalelei was sacked four times.

The run game was stagnant for The Seminoles as well. FSU averaged only 1.5 yards per carry.

Following the game, Norvell acknowledged Florida State’s offensive inconsistencies.

“Extremely disappointed the way we played at times,” Norvell said following today's loss. “The things that we work and emphasize throughout the course of the week, you know, preseason, offseason, things that are critically important to being successful are not showing up as consistent as we need them to be.”

It appeared Seminoles fans attending Saturday’s game expected to see their team lose. During the game (nationally televised on ESPN) cameras caught one fan wearing a “we are cooked” sign. Other Florida State fans inside Doak S. Campbell Stadium could be seen wearing brown paper bags over their heads.

It’s hard to blame the Florida State fanbase for their frustration. FSU is now the first team in AP poll history to start a season in the top 10 and go 0 – 3 with all three losses versus unranked teams.

Meanwhile it was all smiles along the Memphis sideline. Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns to help his team improve to 3 – 0 on the season. On top of that, Florida State paid Memphis a healthy $1.3 million for today’s game.

“Winning is hard, and I never want to minimize a win,” Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield said. “But this is monumental. Let’s call it what it is. To go on the road, regardless of the record, they were preseason No. 10 in the country.

“It’s huge for our program. This is a game that’s going to be remembered for a long time.”

Memphis will look to remain unbeaten when they travel to face Navy, next Saturday.

While Florida State will look to capture their first win of 2024 when they play host to California, next Saturday.

* Photo Credit - USA Today Sports