FSU Overwhelms No. 8 Alabama in Statement Season Opener

Florida State struck early. After Alabama's methodical 16-play, 75-yard opening drive, chewing nearly nine minutes off the clock to go up 7–0, FSU responded with lightning. Tommy Castellanos dashed in for a 9-yard touchdown just three minutes later, tying the score. This was representative of the 31-17 Florida State win over #8 ranked Alabama.

FSU gashed Alabama on the ground for 230 rushing yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, while Alabama limped to just 87 rushing yards on 29 carries, their worst opener ground performance since 1975.

The Seminole offensive line, including several new transfers and veterans like Richie Leonard IV, nearly had a flawless performance: only three negative plays (a total of 11 yards lost) and one sack allowed across 63 snaps. That translated to an impressive 6.1 yards per play, 16.9 yards per completion, and five yards per run (accounting for sacks).

Quarterback Tommy Castellanos showed off his dual-threat skills, rushing for 78 yards and a touchdown while completing nine of 14 passes for 152 yards. FSU also got rushing touchdowns from Micahi Danzy, Caziah Holmes, and Gavin Sawchuk, showcasing depth and unpredictability.

Florida State limited Alabama to six of 17 on third-down conversions and forced three fourth-down stops, including a critical late stand with 5:39 remaining to seal the victory. The defense also racked up seven tackles for loss and three sacks.

FSU built a 24-point run and controlled momentum throughout. Doak Campbell Stadium, full capacity after renovations, roared with energy, energizing the team and disrupting Alabama’s rhythm with penalties and burned timeouts.

Head coach Mike Norvell called it more than a win, it was a statement, a rebirth from last season's struggles and the controversial 2023 playoff snub. He emphasized that “it wasn’t about Alabama, it was about us,” giving credit to his players, staff, and the energized crowd. FSU’s offensive and defensive revamps under coordinators Gus Malzahn and Tony White paid immediate dividends.

Alabama’s offense looked underwhelming after the first drive. Quarterback Ty Simpson passed for 254 yards and two touchdowns, but offered little explosiveness, while the run game was effectively strangled. Their performance prompted sharp criticism, with voices like Dave Portnoy calling the SEC a “joke” and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith noting just how far the Tide have fallen.