Florida State has quickly become one of the biggest disappointments in Bowl Subdivision history. The Seminoles suffered a 20-12 loss at home against No. 25 Memphis, marking their third straight defeat and leaving them 0-3 on the season after starting the year ranked No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Following last year’s ACC championship and unbeaten regular season, Florida State is now tied for the dubious distinction of being only the second team in the past 35 years to lose its first three games after beginning the season in the top 10, joining the 2020 Penn State squad.
Memphis, currently the highest-ranked team in the Group of Five conferences, appears to be in a strong position for a spot in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. In contrast, Florida State will need a miracle just to join the playoff conversation.
The Seminoles’ offensive struggles continued, mirroring their previous performance against Boston College. Florida State converted just two of 12 third downs and managed only 37 rushing yards on 24 attempts, including sacks, averaging a mere 1.5 yards per carry. They turned the ball over three times and didn’t score a touchdown until midway through the third quarter.
A significant factor in Florida State’s decline is its reliance on the transfer portal. While the coaching staff previously excelled at recruiting transfers like defensive end Jared Verse, this year’s additions have failed to adequately support the team’s depth and progress.
Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has been a major disappointment, falling short of expectations after a solid season at Oregon State. Against Memphis, he completed 16 of 30 passes for 201 yards and threw an interception, leaving him with more interceptions (2) than touchdowns (1) for the season.
In contrast, Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan showcased his skills, completing 65.7% of his passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying Memphis’s potential playoff run while Florida State continues to falter.
Among the Week 3 highlights and lowlights in college football, here are some key winners and losers:
Winners:
Memphis:
The Tigers have emerged as the clear favorite for the Group of Five playoff spot. After a successful previous season, Memphis remains well-positioned despite facing a challenging American Athletic Conference schedule.
Alabama:
Ranked No. 4, Alabama dominated Wisconsin with a 42-10 victory, showcasing impressive offensive and defensive performances. Quarterback Jalen Milroe contributed significantly with his passing and rushing abilities.
Missouri:
Missouri’s narrow win over Boston College could prove beneficial for their playoff hopes. Star receiver Luther Burden III played a pivotal role in lifting the Tigers’ chances as they approach difficult SEC matchups.
Notre Dame:
Following a decisive 66-7 victory over Purdue, Notre Dame aims to bounce back from last week’s upset against Northern Illinois, demonstrating their potential to climb back into the playoff picture.
Oregon:
After a shaky start to the season, No. 6 Oregon convincingly defeated rival Oregon State 49-14, displaying a diverse offensive attack and solidifying their position in the upcoming Big Ten competition.
Arch Manning:
In relief of injured quarterback Quinn Ewers, Manning shined in his extended play for Texas, showcasing remarkable athleticism and throwing ability in a dominating win against Texas-San Antonio.
Indiana:
Under new coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has secured impressive wins, including a recent rout of UCLA. Their offensive prowess suggests they could reach a bowl game this season.
Losers:
Florida:
Florida’s disappointing loss to Texas A&M leaves them in a challenging position, with little hope for a successful season. This may lead to yet another coaching search as the program struggles.
Michigan:
Despite a win over Arkansas State, Michigan’s offensive issues remain unresolved, raising concerns about their playoff aspirations as they struggle to find a consistent quarterback.
Washington:
Washington’s last-minute loss to Washington State highlights their rebuilding phase after last year’s successful campaign. The game brought a disappointing realization for fans about the team’s current capabilities.
West Virginia:
A tumultuous loss to Pittsburgh leaves West Virginia at 1-2 as they head into Big 12 play. Coach Neal Brown’s position becomes increasingly precarious as the season progresses.
Mississippi State:
After two consecutive losses, Mississippi State is facing significant challenges. Their recent defeat to Toledo exposes serious flaws in their offensive strategy and raises concerns about their competitiveness in the SEC.