FSU Preview: Florida State versus Alabama

This Saturday the Seminoles are back in action against the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide in the newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.

Alabama finished 2024 with a 9-4 record in coach Kalen DeBoer’s first season.

Florida State Offensive Starters

QB Tommy Castellanos, RB Gavin Sawchuk, Jaylin Lucas, TE Randy Pittman, WR Duce Robinson and Squirrel White, OT Gunnar Hansen and Micah Pettus, OG Adrian Medley and Richie Leonard, C Luke Petitbon.

Florida state offense versus Alabama defense

New offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn brings a run heavy attack to Tallahassee, and he has a quarterback, Tommy Castellanos, that is well suited for his scheme. Castellanos is a great runner but must get better in the passing game. To help the quarterback, coach Norvell brought in 4 new offensive lineman and 8 new skill position guys that will see action.

The offense struggled so much last season that it was a must to make major changes on this side of the ball. With these new pieces it is important that they gel quickly to move the ball against the 10^th ranked defense in the FBS from the ‘24 season. The defense’s strength is at the linebacker position with Deontae Lawson (coming back from injury), Qua Russaw and Nikhai Hill-Green getting most of the snaps. Other players to look out for are defensive lineman LT Overton and safety Bray Hubbard (3 interceptions in ’24). The Crimson Tide will be without their best pass rusher Tim Keenan.

Defensive Starters

DL James Williams, Darrell Jackson and Jayson Jenkins, LB Omar Graham, Justin Cryer and Elijah Herring, CB Jerry Wilson and Ja’Bril Rawls, S Ashlynd Barker, Earl Little and KJ Kirkland

Florida state defense versus Alabama offense

The biggest worry for FSU defense is how they are going to deal with Alabama’s rushing attack even without the starting running back Jam Miller. Richard Young is the most likely starter behind one of the best offensive lines in the country led by projected first round pick in the NFL draft, Kadyn Proctor.

New quarterback Ty Simpson, a mobile signal caller that would rather throw it, has a great receiving corps at his disposal in Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton.

Darrell Jackson needs to break through double teams the whole game to give the FSU defense a shot at slowing down Alabama. If defensive tackle Jackson can pull this off, which he is certainly capable of, then it’ll be up to James Williams and Jayson Jenkins and the linebackers to clean up the mess and make the play.

Cornerback Jerry Wilson should try to cover Ryan Williams most of the game, so it’ll be up to the rest of the secondary to deal with the other targets.

Special Teams

P Jake Weinburg, P Mac Chiumento, PR Jaylin Lucas

Even with new specialists I expect coach Papuchis’ group to be a strength of the team once again.

Prediction

Florida State 21 Alabama 31