What Memphis football coaches said about DJ Uiagalelei after Florida State's 0-2 start

It's no secret that Florida State has struggled to open the 2024 season.

The Seminoles, ranked No. 10 in the preseason, have lost their first two games behind a struggling offense and disappointing performances on both the offensive and defensive lines. Both of those games took place during game windows where they were the only college football game on, so it feels like everyone has been watching.

Though quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, who transferred to Florida State from Oregon State, struggled during the first two games, Memphis coaches said this week they're expecting a much better version of him on Saturday (11 a.m., ESPN) in Tallahassee.

"I know he's a freaking phenomenal quarterback," Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said. "One of the highest-rated quarterbacks to come out of high school in a long time. Starter at Clemson. Starter, and won a lot of football games, at Oregon State. He's big, he's athletic and he's got a rocket of an arm."

In the season-opening loss to Georgia Tech, Uiagalelei was 19-of-27 for 193 yards. Florida State looked much worse in the next game against Boston College, when Uiagalelei was 21-of-42 for 242 yards, one TD and one interception as the Seminoles had just 21 rushing yards.

Memphis' defense has been a top storyline during the Tigers' two-game winning streak to start the season. That unit has carried Memphis to blowout wins over North Alabama and Troy, and it's a key reason why the Tigers are so confident as they prepare to head to Tallahassee.

Silverfield and Memphis defensive coordinator Jordon Hankins said they're not taking the Florida State offense lightly. Hankins mentioned the Seminoles' experienced offensive line Wednesday and running backs Roydell Williams and Lawrance Toafili as players he's keeping an eye out for.

And the 6-foot-4, 252-pound Uiagalelei.

"He can make any throw on the field, if you watch him," Hankins said. "Some throws are really good, some throws are just like every other quarterback in the country. So he's got a strong, strong arm. And you've got to defend the whole field no matter where he's at."

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis-FSU football: DJ Uiagalelei a threat despite 0-2 start