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FSU football loses to Memphis, falls to 0-3: Final score, highlights from Week 3 game
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- FSU football loses to Memphis, falls to 0-3: Final score, highlights from Week 3 game
Florida State football 's search for its first victory of the season against No. 25 Memphis Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium came down to its final possession.
But the Seminoles could not convert and tumbled to the Tigers , 20-12 . FSU (0-3) needed a touchdown and two-point conversion to force overtime against Memphis .
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The Seminoles were attempting to avoid only their third 0-3 start in the last 50 years - and second 0-3 start in five seasons under coach Mike Norvell .
The Seminoles stepped out of the Atlantic Coast Conference for the first time after season-opening defeats to Georgia Tech (24-21) in Ireland and visiting Boston College (28-13) on Labor Day Monday night. Memphis (3-0) is a member of the American Athletic Conference and the only Group of 5 team ranked in the US LBM Coaches poll this week.
FSU coach Mike Norvell coached at Memphis for four seasons prior to being hired by the Seminoles on Dec. 8, 2019. The game marks the first between the programs since 1990.
Watch FSU vs Memphis live on Fubo (free trial)
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Florida State vs Memphis score updates
FSU football highlights vs Memphis
FSU's Hail Mary pass on game's final play batted down by Memphis
FSU had two possessions in the closing minutes to pull off a dramatic comeback and force overtime against Memphis.
However, the Seminoles couldn't make it happen and lost 20-12, dropping to 0-3 for just the third time in the last 50 years.
And the second time in five seasons under Mike Norvell.
FSU's first possession deep in their own territory ended in a punt.
And DJ Uiagalelei 's pass attempt as he rolled to his right from the Memphis 37 on a Hail Mary on the game's final play was batted down by the Tigers near the goal line.
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FSU needed a touchdown and two-point conversion to force OT.
Memphis out-gained FSU 337-238. The Seminoles converted just 2 of 12 third downs and suffered three turnovers, all resulting in Tigers scores.
After a slow start, Uiagalelei completed 16 of 30 passes for 201 yards. He played the entire game.
FSU's run game was limited to 37 yards.
The Seminoles are at home next week against California . Kickoff is 7 p.m. on either ESPN or ESPN2.
Missed Memphis field goal gives FSU life in game's final minutes at Doak Campbell Stadium
Memphis attempt to make it a two-possession game in the closing minutes against FSU had the distance but not the accuracy.
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Caden Costa missed a 55-yard field wide right with 2:46 left in the game, keeping Memphis' advantage at 20-12 and giving the Seminoles possession at their 37.
FSU's offense comes to life, scores on consecutive drives to pull within No. 25 Memphis in fourth quarter
DJ Uiagalelei led the Seminoles to a touchdown and field goal on consecutive drives as FSU trails Memphis 20-12 with 8:07 left in the game.
FSU marched 71 yards on 16 plays, settling for a Ryan Fitzgerald 25-yard field goal. The 8 minute, 35-second drive was set-up by Justin Cryer's interception at the FSU 19.
After completing 7 of 14 passes for 31 yards (2.2 years per completion) in the first half, Uiagalelei is 14 of 22 for 154 yards. Four completions have gone for double-digit yards, punctuated by a 67-yard completion to Malik Benson .
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Benson has 5 receptions for 99 yards in the game.
FSU's offense, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei finally find the end zone against Memphis
FSU's offense struck for its longest play of the season in the third quarter, when quarterback DJ Uiagalelei connected with Malik Benson on a 67-yard pass.
The play set-up p Roydell Williams ' 4-yard touchdown run at the 7:05 mark to slice the Memphis lead to 20-9.
The Seminoles' two-point conversion attempt failed on a Uiagalelei keeper.
Mistakes, offensive struggles plague FSU, trails No. 25 Memphis in second half
FSU can't seem to get out of its own way.
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Memphis led the Seminoles 13-3 at the half, with all three Tigers scores coming off turnovers – two lost fumbles (one on a muffed punt late in the second quarter) and an interception.
The Tigers extended their margin to 20-3 in the third quarter, taking the second-half kickoff and marching 75 yards in 12 plays.
FSU's offense and quarterback DJ Uiagalelei continue to search for a spark.
Uiagalelei completed 7 of 14 passes for 31 yards (2.2 years per completion). FSU receivers weren't much help, dropping at least three balls.
Lawrance Toafili leads the Seminoles' running game with 30 yards on four carries.
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FSU's defense played well, holding the Tigers to a field goal to end the second quarter following the muffed punt and limiting Memphis to minus-1 rushing yards in the first half.
Memphis outgained FSU 158-67.
The Seminoles were limited to three first downs and converted just 1-of-7 on third down.
Memphis record-setting quarterback Seth Henigan completed 16-of-26 passes for 159 yards (6.1 yards per completion) and one touchdown.
FSU's score came on a Ryan Fitzgerald 54-yard field goal.
Conservative play-calling, mistakes cost FSU; Memphis leads Seminoles early in second quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium
Memphis leads FSU 10-0 early in the second quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium, with both scores coming off Seminoles turnovers.
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Each defense played well in the opening quarter, though the Seminoles' play-calling was conservative at best.
FSU was also plagued by mistakes.
The Seminoles lost a fumble on the game's second play that led to a Memphis field goal, committed three penalties and beleaguered quarterback DJ Uiagalelei tossed an interception.
Uiagalelei completed 5 of 6 passes for 7 yards (1.2 yards per completion) as FSU was held to 37 total yards.
On defense, FSU recorded two sacks, held Memphis to 1-of-4 on third down and limited the Tigers to 34 total yards.
The Seminoles also suffered three key injuries – linebackers Justin Cryer and Cam Riley and running back Jalen Brown .
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More: 'We are cooked': FSU football fan sums up early feelings vs Memphis
ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit apologizes to FSU fans, picks the Seminoles to beat No. 25 Memphis
Kirk Herbstreit did the unthinkable in making his picks on ESPN's College GameDay Saturday: He apologized to Florida State football fans.
"I can't believe all the disrespect for Florida State," the college football analyst and frequent FSU antagonist said after many of his fellow pickers backed Memphis .
"I apologize," he said before giving the Tomahawk Chop and picking the Seminoles to snap their 0-2 start.
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Little League World Series Champion Lake Mary All-Stars attending FSU game
The Lake Mary All-Stars – the 2024 Little League World Series champions – are attending Saturday's FSU-Memphis game at Doak Campbell Stadium.
It has been a busy weekend in Tallahassee for the youth players.
They visited Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Friday evening, along with players from Tallahassee's Chaires-Capitola Little League. Lake Mary beat Chaires in the state tournament.
DeSantis shared photos of the Lake Mary team, coaches and families visiting the governor's residence on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Through their discipline, determination, and hard work, they have achieved something that no Florida team has ever achieved and have made Florida proud!," DeSantis said.
Florida State vs Memphis injury updates
The Florida State football secondary will be without star safety Shyheim Brown against Memphis.
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Brown is one of four Seminoles missing against the Tigers, along with Jeremiah Byers, Shawn Murphy and Omar Graham Jr
FSU running back Jaylin Lucas is out for the rest of the season with an undisclosed injury, Norvell announced Monday. Receiver Hykeem Williams also has been dealing with an undisclosed injury but is probable for the game. He has not played yet this season.
Memphis running back Sutton Smith is expected to miss the 2024 season with a leg injury.
Rain in forecast for FSU-Memphis football game at Doak Campbell Stadium
Tallahassee's wet weather is expected to continue Saturday.
According to weather.com, morning showers and thundershowers will give way to steady rain this afternoon. High temperatures are expected around 85 degrees with winds east/southeast at 5-to 10-mph. The chance of rains is 90%.
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The weather, however, was sunny for the noon kickoff.
Vero Beach linebacker, Ohio State commit TJ Alford scheduled to attend FSU-Memphis game
FSU is welcoming numerous recruits Saturday, punctuated by four-star linebacker TJ Alford of Vero Beach.
Alford, the lone player making an official visit, is considered a solid Ohio State commitment in the 2025 Class.
However, FSU and other programs are attempting to flip his commitment. This is his second unofficial visit to FSU since June.
Alford, a 6-foot-2 ,215-pounder, is ranked as the 8th best outside linebacker prospect in the country by Rivals and has been committed to Ohio State since March.
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FSU currently has just one high school linebacker committed to its 2025 recruiting class in Ethan Pritchard of Sanford, Florida.
Florida State vs Memphis time today
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Date: Saturday, September 14
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Time: Noon ET
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Location: Doak Campbell Stadium (Tallahassee, Florida)
What channel is FSU vs Memphis game on today?
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TV channel: ESPN
Florida State vs. Memphis will broadcast nationally on ESPN in Week 3 of the 2024 college football season. Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick will call the game from the booth at Doak Campbell Stadium, with Kris Budden reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+ and Fubo , which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
FSU vs Memphis history
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Series record : FSU leads, 10-7-1
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FSU's last win: November 17, 1990 (35-3)
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Memphis' last win: September 11, 1976 (21-12)
FSU vs Memphis predictions
Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat : Memphis 28, FSU 23
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"With a dynamic defense led by Elijah Herring the Tigers create problems for FSU and DJ Uiagalelei as the Seminoles can't get back on track. This will be a better performance from the team as the defense sharpens up and the offense runs the ball better. However, the Tigers with Seth Henigan and Mario Anderson will exploit some of the issues defensively we saw in the first two FSU games of the season, allowing Memphis to escape with a close victory."
Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat : FSU 34, Memphis 31
"This should be the game where FSU outperform the Tigers. Memphis, led by QB Seth Henigan, is explosive and will likely challenge FSU's secondary with its passing attack. The Seminoles should do the same. However, for FSU to win, someone must make a play. Who can DJ Uiagalelei rely on in crucial moments? This game could be the test. I believe the Seminoles will do just enough to take down the Tigers with a game-winning field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald. "
Reed Wallach, SI.com : Take the over
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"Memphis has a potent offense with (quarterback Seth) Hengian in control, and I'm not sold on this FSU defense playing at an above-average level. I'll grab the over with questions for both defense and also the opportunity to buy low on the Noles offense."
Florida State vs Memphis betting odds
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Thursday:
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Spread: FSU (-6½)
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Over/under: 53½ points
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Money line: Memphis +220, FSU -275
FSU vs Memphis weather updates
Weather.com predicts a high of 86 degrees with considerable cloudiness and showers today in Tallahassee. Winds are expected to be light and variable, blowing out of the east at 5-10 mph. There is a 55% chance of rain throughout the day.
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Florida State football schedule 2024
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August 24: vs. Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland (L 24-21)
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September 2: vs. Boston College (L 28-13)
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September 7: Open
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September 14: vs. Memphis, noon
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September 21: vs. California
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September 28: at SMU
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October 5: vs. Clemson
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October 12: Open
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October 18: at Duke , 7 p.m.
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October 26: at Miami
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November 2: vs. North Carolina
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November 9: at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.
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November 16: Open
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November 23: vs. Charleston Southern
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November 30: vs. Florida
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Record: 0-2
Memphis football schedule 2024
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August 31: vs. North Alabama (W 40-0)
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September 7: vs. Troy (W 38-17)
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September 14: at Florida State, noon
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September 21: at Navy, 3:30 p.m.
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September 28: vs. Middle Tennessee
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October 5: Open
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October 11: at USF, 7 p.m.
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October 19: vs. North Texas
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October 26: vs. Charlotte
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November 2: at UTSA
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November 8: vs. Rice , 9 p.m.
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November 16: vs. UAB
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November 23: Open
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November 26: at Tulane, 7:30 p.m.
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Record:2-0
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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida State vs Memphis: Final score, highlights from Week 3 game
