Even those who faded Florida State in the preseason probably didn’t expect to be counting their money in mid-September. The Seminoles’ 20-12 loss to Memphis on Saturday clinched the under on their projected win total of 9.5.
Those 9.5 projected wins were tied for the most in the ACC, along with Miami, but things have deteriorated quickly in Tallahassee. Following this 0-3 start, Florida State can only max out at nine regular season wins.
That makes the Seminoles the first team to clinch the under on their projected win total, according to Brett McMurphy of The Action Network.
This loss also helped Florida State make history for all the wrong reasons. The last team to post an undefeated regular season and start 0-3 the next was Arizona in 1976.
After entering the season ranked No. 10 in the preseason AP Top 25, this disastrous start by Florida State has been stunning on both sides of the ball, but perhaps the most jarring part of these first few games is the complete lack of offense. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei completed 16 of his 30 passes for just 201 yards and an interception, and the Seminoles rushed for only 37 yards while averaging 1.5 yards per attempt. The lack of blocking up front and playmakers around DJU have been a problem so far in 2024.
Now the big question for the Seminoles is how many wins will they put on the board in 2024? California comes to town next weekend, but the Golden Bears have already scored one big road win against Auburn in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Florida State likely won’t be favored in many of its remaining games, making a bowl game an uphill climb. It’s possible, but it would require a complete reversal of what the Seminoles have shown through three games.