Florida State to payout Memphis $1.3 million for Saturday's loss

Mike Norvell was the head coach for four seasons at Memphis before taking the Florida State job.

On Saturday in Tallahassee, the Tigers pulled out a 20-12 win, dropping Florida State to 0-3. The Seminoles will now pay Memphis $1.3 million for the loss, according to the previously agreed contract. The deal was struck six months before Florida State hired Norvell in December 2019.

A 6.5-point favorite entering the game, it’s only the third time since 1976 that Florida State has dropped its first three games of the regular season. Florida State must pay Memphis $1.3 million on or before Feb. 15, 2025.

Nicknamed “buy games,” matchups against Group of 5 teams during the nonconference slate typically come with a hefty payout. Last week Northern Illinois stunned Notre Dame and will receive $1.4 million.

Norvell was at Memphis for four seasons, posting a 38-16 record. He stepped in at Florida State to take over for Willie Taggert after leading the Tigers to four consecutive bowl games, including the 2019 Cotton Bowl.

Florida State gained only 67 yards of offense in the first two quarters. The Seminoles running attack finished with only 37 yards on 24 carries. The loss to Memphis came off a bye week. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei finished with 201 passing yards on 16-of-30 with an interception.

Memphis is a real contender for the 12-team College Football Playoff and is viewed as one of the top Group of Five programs in the nation.

“I’ve got unbelievable respect for that program, a great love for that city,” Norvell said of Memphis earlier this week. “It was truly a wonderful experience when we got to live there and got to be a part of that program and continue to try to push and elevate it, really to where it is.

“I do believe it’s one of the top programs in the country when you look at the success that they’ve had, that they’ve been able to sustain.”