On Saturday at 3:30 on ABC the Seminoles will be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama is 2-0 this year with wins over East Carolina and Kentucky. The Tide went 10-4 last season. FSU improved its record against Alabama to 2-3-1after a 31-17 upset win last year.
Observations from the last game
Ousmane Kromah had another huge game with 116 yards rushing and a touchdown. He was the whole offense as the passing game struggled to find a rhythm. Ashton Daniels threw for only 125 yards and lead the team to an abysmal 2/15 on 3rd down. If he continues to struggle Norvell may have to replace him with Malachi Marshall or Kevin Sperry.
The lineup changes (subbing in guard Paul Bowling and moving Nate Pabst to right tackle) on the offensive line helped with pass blocking but Daniels still had issues finding his receivers.
Yes, the defense forced 4 turnovers but that seemed to be the only way they could get a stop. Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards, and the running game chipped in for 155 additional yards.
Florida State offense versus Alabama defense
The Seminole are going to establish the run first with Kromah (231 yards rushing this year) and Sam Singleton. Once they do that FSU will try to push the ball down the field to receivers Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy. This has been a difficult task for the offense this year so hopefully they figured some things out in the off week.
Players to watch for on the Alabama defense are linebackers Caleb Woodson (13 tackles and 2 sacks in ’26) and Luke Metz, along with defensive back Bray Hubbard and defensive end Desmond Umeozulu.
Florida State defense versus Alabama offense
Quarterback Keelon Russell will get the start after an impressive first two games (444 passing yards and 2 total touchdowns). He’s a good runner but mostly scrambles around trying to find an open receiver. Bama has a young offensive line, and they seem to be doing a good job so far.
Daniel Hill (3 rushing TDs) is the starter of running back who can get involved in the passing game. The pass catchers are led by the electrifying receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams. Coleman-Williams struggled in last year’s matchup with only 30 yards.
Hopefully FSU corner Ja’Bril Rawls can help force him into another poor performance. The Desir brothers had a great game against the Tide last year but haven’t done much this season. They need to have a good game from a pass rushing standpoint to help get the defense off the field.
Special teams
Advantage: FSU
Prediction
Alabama has a better offensive line and defensive line, so Florida State needs to win the turnover battle by 2 or 3 to keep it close. I think Kromah and the ‘Notes figure out a way to run the ball, but they’ll need the QB to covert some 3rd downs to keep up with Alabama’s explosive offense.
Florida State 17 Alabama 40
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