No. 8 Alabama Opens at Florida State as Ty Simpson Makes First Start
The matchup offers an early measure of Kalen DeBoer’s Year 2 progress on hostile turf.
Overview
- Alabama seeks to correct last season’s four losses away from home, including defeats at Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma along with a bowl loss to Michigan.
- Running back Jam Miller is out with a dislocated collarbone and is expected back by late September, with transfer Dre Washington among those set to carry more of the load.
- Right guard Jaeden Roberts remains in concussion protocol and is in question for the opener, and defensive lineman Tim Keenan III is unlikely to be a full go.
- Florida State arrives in rebuilding mode with nearly 50 newcomers and could start multiple first-year transfers on offense, including quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
- BetMGM lists Alabama as roughly a 13.5-point favorite, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday on ABC at Doak Campbell Stadium.