The Florida State Seminoles have fallen to an embarrassing 0-3 overall record to start their 2024 campaign, after spending the last seven months complaining about being left out of the College Football Playoffs last season.
One of the biggest disappointments in the Seminoles' losing streak has been transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei from Oregon State.
Uiagalelei was expected and projected to continue the Florida State dominance from the 2023 season, filling the shoes of former FSU quarterback Jordan Travis.
However, after a disappointing performance against Georgia Tech, a floundering against Boston College, and now a loss to Memphis, Florida State fans are ready to say 'good riddance' to Uiagalelei holding the reigns.
“DJ Uiagalelei drops back to pass…”
— Dylan Holt (@DylanHolt_) September 14, 2024
pic.twitter.com/2oTb2eiPTq
Uiagalelei completed just 16-of-30 pass attempts for an unimpressive 201 yards, 1 interception, and 0 touchdowns.
DJ Uiagalelei this season
— Dylan Holt (@DylanHolt_) September 14, 2024
pic.twitter.com/I7zmd4jKTt
A player that seems to, quite simply, make his own problems on the field, Uiagalelei has rallied more haters than supporters so far this season. For example, against the Memphis Tigers, Uiagalelei ran for -16 yards when, at times, there was a wide-open player downfield from him.
“Now’s your time DJ, prove the haters wrong”
— JT @ PicksPro (@ThePicksPro) September 14, 2024
DJ Uiagalelei: pic.twitter.com/n9vg6ahCey
Alongside the interception, the Memphis defense also forced and recovered two fumbles through the game. So, yes, even the Tigers were aware of how poorly Uiagalelei was playing.
There is "not respecting the opposing QB" and then there is Memphis zero-blitzing DJ Uiagalelei with FSU needing 60 yards for a touchdown in the last minute
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) September 14, 2024
To start the game, Uiagalelei looked relatively good. He went 5-of-5 on his first few pass attempts before throwing the interception, which was his first real look downfield.
DJ Uiagalelei First Quarts stats vs Memphis
— 🪄ticzz🪄 (@hunter_burner) September 14, 2024
5/6
7 yards
1 INT
I mean there’s NO way Florida state keeps letting him play right ? RIGHT ? pic.twitter.com/HN5kOXSXT3
Florida State has asked DJ Uiagalelei to quit football and go get a job, sources say. pic.twitter.com/CJKpS55FiV
— Ballsack Sports (@BallsackSports) September 14, 2024
Whoever convinced Florida State that the transfer portal QB they needed was DJ Uiagalelei and not any number of significantly better options, should never work in football again.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) September 14, 2024
Mike Norvell when he sees DJ
— HARD FACTOR (@HardFactorNews) September 14, 2024
UIAGALELEI in the locker room pic.twitter.com/FJhjsF3L94
Despite the terrible performance by Uiagalelei, head coach Mike Norvell kept the former Beaver quarterback in the game and he quickly spiraled.
The Memphis Tigers walked away with a 20-12 victory over the Florida State Seminoles after the abysmal showing for Uiagalelei.