Seth Henigan completed 25 of 38 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns to lead Memphis to a 20-12 road victory over Florida State and their former coach Mike Norvell on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla.
The Tigers (3-0) picked up a win over a Power Four opponent and beat struggling Florida State (0-3) for the first time since 1976, snapping a four-game losing streak in the series.
Anthony Landphere led all Memphis receivers with five catches for 66 yards and a first half touchdown, which helped the Tigers build a 13-3 lead at halftime that was extended to 20-3 in the third quarter.
Memphis’ defense recorded four sacks led by Vic Alobwede, who had 1 1/2 sacks and 1 1/2 tackles for loss.
The loss added to Florida State’s early-season struggles amid its worst start since losing its first four games in 2021, which was Norvell’s second year in Tallahassee.
Florida State’s offense continued to struggle, both on the ground and through the air as DJ Uiagalelei completed 16 of 30 passes for 201 yards, but did not throw a touchdown pass and was intercepted once.
Uiagalelei did strike on a big play in the third quarter when he connected with Malik Benson on a pass deep down the middle for a 67-yard gain on the first drive of the second half.
The play was the longest of the season so far for the Seminoles (0-3), who had not yet gained more than 40 yards on a play.
The reception set up Roydell Williams’ 4-yard touchdown run two plays later. Florida State missed the 2-point try as it pulled within 20-9.
Florida State’s Justin Cryer made a spectacular interception on Memphis’ ensuing drive after the Tigers advanced to the Seminoles’ 27 yard-line. The turnover led to a 16-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a Ryan Fitzgerald 35-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 20-12.
Memphis kicker Caden Costa missed a 55-yard field goal attempt wide right with 2:46 left. But Uiagalelei was sacked twice on FSU’s ensuing drive forcing it to punt with 1:57 left. FSU’s defense forced a punt itself and the Seminoles regained possession at their own 14 with 46 seconds left.
But after Uiagalelei drove the Seminoles to Memphis’ 39 with one second left, his final pass near the end zone was knocked down by Julian Barnett to seal the outcome.
Memphis held Florida State to only 37 yards rushing.
–Field Level Media