The 2024 college football season has not been kind to two of the sport’s biggest and most prestigious programs.
Both Florida and Florida State have stumbled out of the gate, with the Gators holding a 1-2 record and the Seminoles sitting winless at 0-3.
This rough start marks the first time since 1955 that both programs have opened the season with losing records through the first three games.
Florida Stateās disastrous start comes with an additional unwelcome piece of history, as the Seminoles became the first college football team ever to lose two games before the Week 1 slate had officially concluded.
The Gators’ struggles began with a Week 1 clash against in-state rival Miami. The Hurricanes made it clear early on that they were intent on asserting their dominance.
Miamiās transfer quarterback, Cam Ward, turned in a spectacular performance, throwing for 385 yards and three touchdowns. Ward’s display earned him early Heisman buzz, and Miami walked away from Gainesville with a convincing 41-17 victory.
Florida found some respite in Week 2, facing FCS opponent Samford.
Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway offered a glimpse of the programās potential future, throwing for 456 yards and three touchdowns in a dominant 45-7 win.
Week 3 brought a return to harsh reality for the Gators, as they hosted Texas A&M at The Swamp.
Florida struggled offensively in the first half, going scoreless and trailing 20-0 at halftime. Despite a third-quarter rally that saw the Gators score twice, the Aggies ultimately prevailed, handing Florida a 33-20 loss.
It was Floridaās second home defeat of the season and may very well have been the final nail in head coach Billy Napier’s coffin.
If Floridaās brutal start was frustrating, Florida Stateās has been outright shocking.
The Seminoles entered 2024 with sky-high expectations after finishing the previous season 13-1. Mike Norvell’s team seemed to be on a mission following the disrespect of being left out of last year’s College Football Playoff.
However, things took a dramatic turn in Week 0, as the Seminoles traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to face Georgia Tech. In a stunning upset, Georgia Tech defeated FSU 24-21, setting an ominous tone for the season.
Returning home for Week 1, FSU faced Boston College, a team they had beaten six consecutive times. Entering the ACC clash as significant favorites, the Noles came out flat and were blown out 28-13.
After a bye in Week 2, FSU hoped to avoid an 0-3 start in Week 3 against Norvell’s old team, the Memphis Tigers.
However, a turnaround was not to be as the Noles were thoroughly outplayed by Memphis as fan frustration reached a boiling point in Tallahassee.
Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has proven to be one of the worst acquisitions in the country. He reportedly didn’t come cheap and Norvell is being blamed for believing the troubled quarterback would be capable of leading the Noles on a playoff run.
Meanwhile, the sun isn’t that brighter downstate in Gainesville.
Florida fans are done with Napier. Many are calling for the university to go after Lane Kiffin as a replacement. While others want to reunite with old friend Urban Meyer.
Fortunately for those upset fans, there are reports that Florida’s hot shot boosters are pooling together $26 million to send Napier packing.
Both Florida and Florida State will attempt to get things back on track and turn their seasons around.
The Gators will travel to Starkville to take on the slumping Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday. Meanwhile, Florida State will play host to “ACC rival” Cal.
What are your thoughts on the two struggling blue bloods? … Which team is more disappointing???