In a stunning upset that reverberated across college football, the Florida State Seminoles stunned No. 8 Alabama with a dominant 31–17 win at Doak Campbell Stadium. Opening the season as 13.5-point underdogs, coach Mike Norvell’s reworked squad showed poise, power, and precision in sentence structure reminiscent of elite playoff contenders.
Momentum Swing—Execution and Energy
The game began with Alabama drawing first blood via a calculated 75-yard opening drive capped with a short touchdown pass from Ty Simpson to Josh Cuevas. However, Florida State responded quickly. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos tied the game with a 9-yard rushing touchdown—one of multiple standout plays—setting the Seminoles on course for victory.
In the second quarter, Micahi Danzy electrified the crowd with a 32-yard reverse, putting FSU up 14–7 before a 45-yard field goal via Jake Weinberg extended the lead heading into halftime.
Sealing the Upset—Balanced Domination
Florida State carried its momentum into the second half. Caziah Holmes scored a short touchdown early in the third quarter, making it 24–7 and shifting the game firmly in FSU’s favor. Despite a long field goal response from Alabama, the Seminoles punched it home again in the fourth quarter with a powerful run from Gavin Sawchuk, pulling the final margin to 31–17.
Key Stats to Know
| Stat | Florida State | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 382 | 328 |
| Rushing Yards | 78 (Castellanos) | 74 |
| Passing Yards | 152 (Castellanos) | 254 (Simpson) |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
FSU outgained the Tide, balanced its offense with ground and air power, and executed critical stops.
Big Picture Impact
This is Alabama’s first season-opening defeat in 23 years—a seismic blow to a program that prides itself on early momentum. The loss puts immediate pressure on head coach Kalen DeBoer and raises questions about Alabama’s trajectory this season.Roll 'Bama Roll
For Florida State, this win is more than just an early victory—it’s validation for an offseason overhaul led by Mike Norvell. With revamped coaching, renewed leadership, and the dual-threat capabilities of Castellanos, the Seminoles appear ready to reignite their championship ambitions.
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