Florida State seeks first win against Memphis, Norvell"s old team

Mike Norvell, in his fifth season as head coach at Florida State, is seeking his first win of the season against Memphis, a team he previously coached. The Seminoles are currently struggling with an 0-2 record, while Memphis comes into the game with a 2-0 record. Norvell had a successful tenure at Memphis, leading the team to a 38-16 record and four bowl appearances from 2016 to 2019. His departure to Florida State has not hindered Memphis, which has maintained a strong performance under current coach Ryan Silverfield. Memphis has achieved ten consecutive winning seasons, showcasing its status as one of the top programs in the Group of Five. The team is also a contender for an automatic berth in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. A victory against Florida State would not only enhance Memphis's trajectory but also provide a significant financial guarantee of $1.3 million for the program. Silverfield emphasized that the game will not be viewed as a personal matchup between him and Norvell, but rather as an opportunity for both teams to compete and showcase their abilities. Florida State's recent losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College have significantly impacted their ranking, dropping them from No. 10 in the preseason poll. As both teams prepare for the matchup at Doak Campbell Stadium, the stakes are high for Florida State to avoid an 0-3 start, while Memphis aims to continue its winning momentum. The game represents a critical moment for both programs, with implications for their respective seasons.