Florida State's dreams of a resurgence after last year's College Football Playoff snub have been shattered, with an 0-3 start following a home loss to FBS opponent Memphis.
Florida State's catastrophic start to the 2022 season has reached new depths with an embarrassing 20-12 loss to FBS opponent Memphis. The Seminoles, who paid Memphis $1.3 million to appear on their schedule as a buy game, were stunned at home, marking their fourth consecutive loss since being left out of the College Football Playoffs last year.
After an undefeated season and playoff contention in 2021, Florida State's freefall has been swift and unforgiving. They opened the season with a heartbreaking 24-21 loss to Georgia Tech in Dublin Ireland, followed by a 28-13 defeat to Boston College.
Florida State's Nightmare Season Continues with Embarrassing Loss to Memphis
Saturday's loss, which came off the heels of Florida State's bye week, was particularly disappointing as they were a 6.5-point favorite. The Seminoles' offense sputtered throughout the game, failing to find any rhythm or consistency.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has been left to rue his team's disastrous start. "We all have to do a better job," he said during his postgame press conference. "…We can’t continue to come into games and see things that are absolutely not a part of who we are show up. So we all have to prepare better… These guys have not stopped working."
Florida State's Nightmare Season Continues with Embarrassing Loss to Memphis
However, Norvell's postgame press conference was cut short by a fire alarm at the team facility, sparing him from having to delve further into the team's struggles.
The Seminoles now face an uphill battle to salvage their season, with their next three games coming against ACC rivals. They host Cal next Saturday, followed by a trip to new conference foe SMU and a daunting matchup with longtime rival Clemson, who is also looking to overcome its own early-season struggles.
Florida State's Nightmare Season Continues with Embarrassing Loss to Memphis
Florida State's fans have been left stunned by the team's dismal start, with many calling for changes to the coaching staff or even Norvell's job. The Seminoles' once-promising season has turned into a nightmare, and it remains to be seen if they can find a way to turn things around.
Despite the team's struggles, Norvell remains committed to turning things around. "We're going to keep working, we're going to keep grinding," he said. "We're going to find a way to get this fixed."
However, time is running out for the Seminoles to salvage their season. With ACC play now underway, they can ill afford any more slip-ups. Florida State's next game against Cal is a must-win if they want to avoid falling further behind in the conference standings.
