Through the first three weeks of the 2024 college football season, Florida has a record of 1-2 and Florida State has fallen to 0-3. This rough start inadvertently repeated some bad history for these programs of the “Sunshine State.”
The last time both Florida and Florida State had a losing record through the first three games was in 1955. Florida State also became the first school in college football history to lose two games before the Week 1 slate of games ended.
Florida’s rough start began with a showdown against instate rival Miami. Miami came out looking to show who “little brother” was right out of the gate. Transfer quarterback Cam Ward started some Heisman chatter when he shredded Florida’s defense for 385 passing yards and three touchdowns. Miami strutted out of The Swamp with a 41-17 victory. Luckily, Florida had a tuneup game against Samford. Gators’ freshman QB DJ Lagway shined with potential as he threw for 456 yards and three TDs. The Gators looked to be on track after a 45-7 win.
Unfortunately, the good times didn’t stay rolling for the Gators Week 3 game against Texas A&M. The Gators were held scoreless in the first half and went into halftime down 20-0. Despite putting up two scores in the third quarter, the game was put out of reach and the Gators lost their second game at home — 33-20.
Out of these two fall offs, Florida State’s is the most surprising. Florida State finished the 2023 season 13-1, played in the Orange Bowl and ranked No. 6 in the final AP poll. The biggest controversy FSU faced last season was not being selected to the College Football Playoffs. With the addition of transfers QB DJ Uiagalelei, running back Roydell Williams, defensive end Sione Lolohea and more, it looked like FSU would prove the doubters wrong.
In a special Week 0 game in Dublin, Ireland, Georgia Tech shocked the world by upsetting FSU 24-21. Then in Week 1, FSU looked to recover at home and claim a win over Boston College, who they were 6-0 against in their last six meetings. Once again, the Seminoles fell short and the Boston College Eagles soared out of Doak S. Campbell Stadium with a 28-13 win. FSU has able to catch a break and regroup during their bye week in Week 2 of the season.
The Seminoles were hoping to avoid a 0-3 start but the Memphis Tigers had other plans. Memphis’ offense dominated FSU in time of possession (36:21), total yards (337), first downs (19) and plays ran (71) while their defense forced three turnovers and three sacks. FSU lost their second game at home 20-12.
(Photo: © Melina Myers, USA TODAY Sports)
Depending on how the rest of the season unfolds, some seats may start to get hot if these programs don’t deliver some wins.
Both programs will be looking for a turnaround on Sep. 21. FSU will be facing the California Golden Bears while Florida is traveling to Mississippi State.
This article originates on 247Sports.
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