Florida State assertively controls the ground in a surprising victory over No. 8 Alabama

In an unexpected turn of events, Florida State University (FSU) made a triumphant return to the gridiron with a resounding 31-17 victory over No. 8 Alabama in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles, who ended the previous season with a dismal 2-10 record, showcased a rejuvenated team under the guidance of two new coordinators and a revamped roster.

The game started on a high note for FSU, as quarterback Tommy Castellanos led the team on a successful opening drive. A 40-yard completion set up Castellanos for a rushing touchdown, giving FSU an early 7-0 lead.

Alabama responded with a 16-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass from starting quarterback Ty Simpson to Josh Cuevas. However, the Seminoles were not to be outdone. Caziah Holmes scored a 4-yard touchdown for FSU, set up by a 64-yard completion from Castellanos to Jaylin Lucas. This score gave FSU a 14-7 lead.

FSU extended their lead with a 45-yard field goal from Jake Weinberg, making it 17-7. Alabama managed to cut the deficit to 17-14 with a 6-yard touchdown catch by Rico Scott, but FSU responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive, ending with a 14-yard touchdown from Gavin Sawchuk.

The Seminoles' ground game was a force to be reckoned with, as they ran for 230 yards and four touchdowns. Castellanos led the team with 78 rushing yards and scored their first touchdown of the season. Alabama, on the other hand, allowed the most rushing scores in a game since 2021, with four different FSU players notching rushing touchdowns.

The second half saw Alabama struggle, with three turnover-on-downs. The Tide's star receiver, Ryan Williams, managed just five catches for 30 yards and left the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent head injury.

With the loss, Kalen DeBoer has now lost to four unranked opponents in his first 14 games at Alabama. Nick Saban, Alabama's predecessor, lost to four unranked opponents total in his 17-year tenure leading the Tide (123-4 record). The name of the new Florida State University coach who masterminded this upset is not yet known.

This victory marks a significant step forward for Florida State, who will look to build on this momentum as they continue their 2025 season. Alabama, on the other hand, will look to regroup and return to form as they face the challenges ahead.

Florida State assertively controls the ground in a surprising victory over No. 8 Alabama