Overview
- Alabama’s 23-game streak of season-opening wins ended with the loss, its first in an opener since 2001.
- New quarterback Tommy Castellanos rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown, helping stake Florida State to a 17-7 halftime lead after 17 unanswered points.
- Florida State averaged 4.7 yards per carry under Malzahn’s direction, signaling a physical shift from last season’s offense.
- The Seminoles were 13.5-point underdogs coming off a 2-10 season, delivering a blow to Alabama’s College Football Playoff hopes under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer.
- Students and fans rushed the field at Doak Campbell Stadium to celebrate the upset.