Florida State University, a team that entered the 2024 college football season with high expectations, faced a shocking defeat at the hands of Memphis, a game that not only dented their record but also hit them financially. The Seminoles, who had agreed to pay Memphis $1.3 million for the game, saw their hopes of a strong season falter as they fell 20-12 in front of a home crowd.
A Promising Start Turns Sour
The 2024 season was supposed to be one of redemption for Florida State. After narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoffs the previous year despite a perfect record, the Seminoles were determined to make a statement. With a top-10 preseason ranking, fans and analysts alike had high hopes for the team. However, the reality has been far different. Following earlier losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College, the defeat to Memphis marked a historic low for the program. It’s the first time a preseason top-10 team has started 0-3 in a non-COVID year since Texas A&M in 1988.
The Financial Impact
The loss to Memphis was not just a blow to Florida State’s morale but also came with a significant financial cost. The $1.3 million payment was part of a “buy game” agreement, a common practice in college football where a more prominent program pays a smaller school to play a non-conference game, typically expecting an easy win. However, this time, the investment backfired spectacularly, as Memphis not only pocketed the cash but also walked away with a morale-boosting victory.
What’s Next for Florida State?
For Florida State, this loss raises serious questions about the direction of their season. With an 0-3 record and a tough schedule ahead, the likelihood of making a bowl game is increasingly uncertain. Head Coach Mike Norvell, who was once at the helm of Memphis, now faces immense pressure to turn the season around. The financial loss adds another layer of complexity, as it underscores the high stakes involved in college football, where even a single game can have significant ramifications.
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