FSU pays Memphis $1.3 million for CFB game before Seminoles lose, falls to 0-3 – Bleacher Report

Florida State struggled during Saturday’s 20-12 loss to Memphis, falling to 0-3 on the season in the process.

The Seminoles paid their opponents $1.3 million guaranteed to host the contest, according to Front Office Sports.

After starting the season ranked No. 10 in the country, Florida State became the first team in AP poll history to start in the top 10 and lose three straight games to unranked teams to start the year (via CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello).

The Seminoles also became the third team since 1988 to open the season with an 0-3 record after being ranked in the top 10 at the start of the year.

Although 2023 quarterback Jordan Travis was selected by the New York Jets in the 2024 NFL Draft, Florida State’s start to the 2024 campaign was extremely disappointing as it finished with a 13-1 record to matched last season’s ACC title .

Starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei couldn’t shake off the inconsistency that has plagued his start to the season, completing just 53.3 percent of his throws for 201 yards and an interception Saturday.

Adding insult to injury, Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell left Memphis to join Florida State in December 2019 after spending four years with the program. The $1.3 million payment was finalized six months after Norvell was hired and is due on or before February 15, 2025 (via USA Today Scooby Axon).

This isn’t the first time a school has spent money on a loss in 2024, as Notre Dame previously agreed to pay Northern Illinois $1.4 million before losing 16-14 on Sept. 7. Montana State was also given $360,000 to face New Mexico, coming back from a fourth quarter deficit to win by a final score of 35-31 on August 24.

After narrowly missing out on a College Football Playoff appearance last season, the Seminoles are still looking for their first win of the year after three games have been played.