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2w ago

Florida State Upsets No. 8 Alabama 31-17 in Season Opener

A dominant ground game exposed Alabama's vulnerabilities, intensifying scrutiny on Kalen DeBoer's second year.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks over his plays during the first quarter of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida.
Aug 30, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) during warmups before the game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) celebrates after a touchdown against the Alabama during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
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Overview

  • Thomas Castellanos threw for 152 yards and rushed for 78 yards with a touchdown, validating his summer claim that Alabama would not stop him.
  • The Seminoles rushed for 230 yards to Alabama's 87 under new coordinator Gus Malzahn, with Tide tackling and run fits repeatedly breaking down.
  • The defeat ended Alabama's 23-game season‑opening win streak as Florida State fans swarmed the field at Doak Campbell Stadium.
  • Kalen DeBoer said there were "no excuses" and that the performance "falls on everyone," calling the path forward an uphill climb with Louisiana‑Monroe up next.
  • National reaction questioned Alabama's aura, with Johnny Manziel saying "ain't nobody scared" of the Tide as wider media criticism mounted.