Florida State can't buy a win right now, but it sure can buy a loss... literally. Before the early afternoon game, Nick Saban called his shot on ESPN's College Gameday by backing Memphis. The University could have saved themselves a lot of money, apparently, had they consulted with the former Alabama coach.
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The Seminoles dropped to 0-3 with Saturday's loss to Memphis. The defeat was a costly one for the University in more than one way. Major programs nationwide have enticed potential inferior opponents to play in their home stadiums financially for decades. It's not anything new, but the financial ramifications tend to come out shortly after a major non-conference upset occurs.
Florida State paid Memphis $1.3 million to come to Doak Campbell Stadium. The AAC opponent then embarrassed the Seminoles with a 20-12 victory. The Tigers held the ACC program to single-digit points through the first three quarters.
Great job picking THE University of Memphis, Coach Saban ??
Also, shoutout to @PatMcAfeeShow & @dawnstaley for picking @MemphisFB!
?"? ESPN#GoTigersGo pic.twitter.com/2snmgy3500
— University of Memphis (@uofmemphis) September 14, 2024
As for Saban, he was the first commentator on College Gameday to pick Memphis. Pat McAfee also went with Memphis, and so too, did guest Dawn Staley. For Saban, though, this is just another moment where he's been "in" on Memphis while others haven't.
"I'll tell you what, I'm not going to say Memphis State because I get criticized for that. It's the University of Memphis," Saban began in reference to a prior comment he made addressing the school by the wrong name. "And Florida State hasn't shown much this year. I know they're coming off a bye, but sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad so I'm going with the University of Memphis."
This is the second instance of Saban showing his support for the mid-major program. In August, when his Memphis State comment was made, it was while he was identifying the Tigers as a sleeper for the playoffs. He commented, "I think Memphis State has a chance to move in there."
Nick Saban showed confidence in the Tigers by picking the Memphis upset.
So far, his pick is off to a good start. Memphis is 3-0, with a major win on its resume and two other victories in which they scored 40 and 38 points, respectively.
Memphis received 38 points for this week's AP Top 25 poll as one of the top teams receiving votes. It won't be shocking to see them slide into the group after this win and make Saban's preseason pick look even better.
Meanwhile, this is the third straight loss for Florida State to kick off the season. They have failed to score more than 21 points in any game and have been held to 13 or fewer points in two outings. Misery loves company, however, so Florida State isn't the only team to sign up for a loss that came with a million-dollar check. Notre Dame's slip-up to Northern Illinois earlier this season came with a $1.4 million price tag.
Related: Florida State Football is Down Bad After 0-2 Start
