Florida State's abysmal start to the 2024 season continues.
Looking to recover from an 0-2 start, the Seminoles fell 20-12 to Memphis on Saturday after the Tigers took an early lead and never let go.
It was a one-score game in the end, but Florida State couldn't put together a game-tying drive to get its first win of the season.
The Sporting News fills you in on the Florida State vs. Memphis game, including the Seminoles' winless start to the season, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei's numbers and how the result impacted the College Football Playoff race.
Florida State starts 0-3
With a 20-12 loss to the Tigers, Florida State fell to 0-3 in 2024 so far. It's the program's worst start to a season since 2021, when it started 0-4, and just the third 0-3 start in program history.
ESPN has put this up at least every 10 minutes. pic.twitter.com/UbsvizxtE1
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 14, 2024
Just two plays into Saturday's game, the Seminoles fumbled the ball away.
MEMPHIS FORCES A FUMBLE ON THE SECOND PLAY OF THE GAME 💥 @MemphisFB pic.twitter.com/fZoiRgfoGt
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 14, 2024
The Tigers took a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter on a touchdown pass from QB Seth Henigan, and they took a 13-3 lead into halftime of the matchup.
Memphis extended its lead to 20-3 on Hengian's second passing touchdown on the day in the third quarter. While the Seminoles did get a score out of RB Roydell Williams, they didn't build enough late momentum to get back in it.
Florida State made one last attempt with a Hail Mary on the game's final play, but the ball was batted away to secure the team's third loss of the season.
It's been an ugly start for Mike Norvell's squad just one year removed from an undefeated 2023 regular season. In Week 0, Florida State dropped its season opener to Georgia Tech 24-21 in Ireland, and looking to rebound in Week 2, the Seminoles lost 28-13 to Boston College.
Since their snub from the CFP last year, the Seminoles have lost four straight games, including their 63-3 loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl last year.
DJ Uiagalelei stats vs. Memphis
Florida State QB DJ Uiagalelei finished 16 for 30 with 201 yards, no touchdowns and an interception vs. Memphis.
It was his second interception of the season, with the first coming in Week 2 vs. Boston College.
After three years at Clemson and one at Oregon State, Uiagalelei hasn't been able to sparks Florida State's offense in his fifth year.
College Football Playoff race
Florida State's playoff hopes are long gone — it's already clinched its under of 9.5 wins, per Action Network's Brett McMurphy.
However, Memphis continued trending upward with its win on Saturday. With its 3-0 start, the Tigers are moving in the right direction for an eventual College Football Playoff spot as a Group of 5 team.
