Sep 132 min read

Norvell Bowl: Seminoles Welcome Massive Challenge From Tigers

Seminoles | Norvell Bowl — © Melina Myers-Imagn Images

After a disastrous start to their 2024 season, the Florida State Seminoles (0-2, 0-2) welcome the Memphis Tigers (2-0) to Tallahassee, Fla., at Noon EST on Sept. 14 for a Week 3 matchup.

In only the 19th matchup between both teams, the Seminoles lead the overall series 10-7-1. While the last game saw Florida State win 35-3 in Orlando, Fla., this year's game will feature Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell facing his former team for the first time in the Norvell Bowl.

What's on the line?

For Florida State, it's simple. This is a must-win game. After two losses in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Seminoles had a lot of work to do in their bye week. Norvell and his staff need to find a way to energize this team specifically in the trenches. The offensive and defensive lines have played disappointingly bad. Can the Seminoles revitalize their season against the team that Norvell left to join Florida State?

For Memphis, going to 3-0 would be a great start to the season for head coach Ryan Silverfield. Doing this against Florida State and the Tigers' former coach would be special. As a Group of Five member, the win could further establish Memphis' case for being included in the new expanded College Football Playoff format.

Who to watch for the Seminoles

While eyes are automatically drawn to the quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei needs to improve his accuracy and consistency as he delivers the ball to his playmakers. The biggest question to answer will be along the offensive and defensive lines.

In both games, the Seminoles' offensive line resembled turnstiles more than walls protecting their quarterback. Jeremiah Byers should return to the lineup, which will help. But Richie Leonard and Darius Washington need to step up and help establish a physical presence for the offensive line. On the defensive line, Patrick Payton and Joshua Farmer need to show they are key players along the defensive line.

Who to watch for the Tigers

The Memphis offense is potent as it has outscored its opponents 78-17 through the first two weeks. Quarterback Seth Henigan has shown his accuracy in leading the offense, throwing for 70 percent. He's also shown a solid ability to push the ball, averaging just under 8 yards a pass to 10 different receivers. Roc Taylor leads the receiving corps with 9 catches for 114 yards. Running back Mario Anderson has led the charge on the ground with 171 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, the Tigers are a sound team that will be focused on beating the Seminoles.

Key Matchup for Norvell Bowl

Keep your eyes on the Tigers' offensive line versus the Seminoles' defensive line. Henigan has been accurate, efficient and only been sacked once this season. The Florida State defensive line has to generate pressure as it works to disrupt Memphis' offensive rhythm. Payton, Farmer, Darrell Jackson and Marvin Jones have the tools to wreak havoc as they need to collectively step up and do it on Sept. 14.