Memphis Tigers vs. Florida State Seminoles Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024

Preview and Prediction

After a disappointing 0-2 start, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell faces his former team this Saturday as the Seminoles host Memphis in Tallahassee, Florida.

Despite Florida State's 10-7-1 lead in the all-time series and their four consecutive wins against Memphis, this will be the first matchup between the two teams since 1990.

However, there is a sense of familiarity as Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield leads his 2-0 Tigers into this important game against Norvell, who previously coached at Memphis from 2016-2019. Silverfield was one of Norvell's assistants during that time.

"This game will not be a Silverfield vs. Norvell," Silverfield stated this week. "There is a great relationship with Mike Norvell and everything he did for this university, and I know many people on that staff."

The Seminoles have had a rough start to their season, going from a top 10 team to unranked and sitting at 0-2 in the conference after losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College.

Memphis, on the other hand, has their sights set on a College Football Playoff spot as a Group of Five team.

Florida State currently ranks last among all 17 ACC teams in scoring offense, total offense, and rushing offense. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has a passer rating of 116.5, placing him 14th among ACC starting quarterbacks.

Norvell had positive things to say about Uiagalelei, who is in his first season as the Seminoles' starter after transferring from Oregon State. "It's definitely not all on him," Norvell stated. "I've been impressed with his mindset and approach. He has a lot of experience and understands how to play the game."

The Memphis offense has had a strong start to their season, averaging 39 points per game in wins against North Alabama and Troy.

Quarterback Seth Henigan has been efficient, completing 42 of 60 passes for 469 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Running back Mario Anderson has also been a key contributor, averaging 6.3 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns in the Tigers' first two games.

PREDICTION

Memphis Tigers

Florida State Seminoles

Memphis Tigers vs. Florida State Seminoles Recap SEP 14TH 2024

Seth Henigan completed 25 of 38 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns to lead Memphis to a 20-12 road victory over Florida State and their former coach Mike Norvell on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla.

The Tigers (3-0) picked up a win over a Power Four opponent and beat struggling Florida State (0-3) for the first time since 1976, snapping a four-game losing streak in the series.

Anthony Landphere led all Memphis receivers with five catches for 66 yards and a first half touchdown, which helped the Tigers build a 13-3 lead at halftime that was extended to 20-3 in the third quarter.

Memphis' defense recorded four sacks led by Vic Alobwede, who had 1 1/2 sacks and 1 1/2 tackles for loss.

The loss added to Florida State's early-season struggles amid its worst start since losing its first four games in 2021, which was Norvell's second year in Tallahassee.

Florida State's offense continued to struggle, both on the ground and through the air as DJ Uiagalelei completed 16 of 30 passes for 201 yards, but did not throw a touchdown pass and was intercepted once.

Uiagalelei did strike on a big play in the third quarter when he connected with Malik Benson on a pass deep down the middle for a 67-yard gain on the first drive of the second half.

The play was the longest of the season so far for the Seminoles (0-3), who had not yet gained more than 40 yards on a play.

The reception set up Roydell Williams' 4-yard touchdown run two plays later. Florida State missed the 2-point try as it pulled within 20-9.

Florida State's Justin Cryer made a spectacular interception on Memphis' ensuing drive after the Tigers advanced to the Seminoles' 27 yard-line. The turnover led to a 16-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a Ryan Fitzgerald 35-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 20-12.

Memphis kicker Caden Costa missed a 55-yard field goal attempt wide right with 2:46 left. But Uiagalelei was sacked twice on FSU's ensuing drive forcing it to punt with 1:57 left. FSU's defense forced a punt itself and the Seminoles regained possession at their own 14 with 46 seconds left.

But after Uiagalelei drove the Seminoles to Memphis' 39 with one second left, his final pass near the end zone was knocked down by Julian Barnett to seal the outcome.

Memphis held Florida State to only 37 yards rushing.