— In Tallahassee, Florida State opened the season with a statement, defeating No. 8 Alabama 31-17 at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Seminoles led 17-7 at halftime and never trailed after the first quarter, punctuating a comprehensive performance that raises questions around second-year Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer.
Key Takeaways
- Scoreline: Florida State 31, No. 8 Alabama 17, the season’s first top-10 upset.
- Halftime control: FSU led 17-7 at the break and took a 24-10 edge into the fourth.
- Efficiency gap: Alabama went 8-for-22 on third and fourth downs and rushed for 87 yards on 29 carries.
- QB numbers: Alabama’s Ty Simpson finished 22 of 43 for 254 yards and two TDs.
- Historic note: It’s FSU’s second-ever win vs. Alabama (series now 2-3-1) and first since 2007.
- Rare setback: Alabama lost a season opener for the first time since 2001 (ending a 23-game streak) and its first game ever in August (previously 10-0).
- Trend watch: DeBoer is 6-4 vs. unranked foes at Alabama and 9-5 overall, with four losses as a double-digit favorite.
- FSU resurgence: The Seminoles scored 21 first-half points—more than they managed in any FBS game last season—and earned their first top-10 win since beating No. 5 LSU in 2023.
Verified Facts
Alabama started fast with a methodical 16-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that consumed 8:50, but its offense sputtered for most of the day afterward. Over their next nine possessions, the Crimson Tide failed to gain more than 40 yards on any drive as Florida State’s defense tightened in key moments.
Florida State’s revamped attack—coordinated by Gus Malzahn—mixed tempo, option looks, and perimeter stress. New starter Tommy Castellanos used his dual-threat skill set to keep the Tide off balance, sustaining drives and setting up short-yardage conversions that FSU repeatedly won at the line of scrimmage.
Turning-point sequence: early in the third quarter, a 60-plus-yard catch-and-run set up a short Caziah Holmes touchdown that stretched the lead to 24-7 and ignited the home crowd. Alabama got within 24-17 in the fourth, but FSU answered with a physical touchdown drive to restore a two-score cushion and close the door.
On the day, Alabama converted just 8 of 22 combined third- and fourth-down attempts and mustered 87 rushing yards on 29 carries after a run-heavy opening drive. Simpson threw for 254 yards and two scores but never found consistent rhythm against a retooled Seminoles defense coordinated by Tony White.
Context & Impact
For Florida State, the result validates a sweeping offseason reset after a 2-10 campaign in 2024. Beyond hiring Malzahn and White, the Seminoles added a top-10 transfer class, including impact pieces at receiver, defensive line, and offensive line. The win matches FSU’s victory total through its first 10 games last season and signals a credible rebound trajectory in the ACC.
For Alabama, the loss snaps multiple streaks and feeds a broader narrative under DeBoer of failing to close as a heavy favorite. The Tide were ranked No. 1 in the 247Sports Team Talent Composite entering the game, yet were out-executed and outmuscled at critical junctures. With CFP aspirations, Alabama faces immediate pressure to correct situational issues and re-establish a dependable run game.
The defeat also rekindles lingering emotions from the 2023 CFP selection, when Alabama earned the No. 4 spot over unbeaten Florida State. While the situations differ, Saturday’s outcome flipped the script: FSU carried the urgency and physical edge, while Alabama chased the game.
Official Statements
They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.
Tommy Castellanos, via CBS Sports (pre-game, Aug. 30, 2025)
Unconfirmed
- The identity of Florida State’s receiver on a reported 40-yard third-and-11 completion during the first-quarter scoring drive was unclear in real-time reports.
- Alabama’s defensive line rotation reportedly missed Tim Keenan; the team had not formally updated his status at the time of publication.
Bottom Line
Florida State combined a clear identity with disciplined execution to control a blue-blood opponent for four quarters. If the Seminoles sustain this physicality and balance, they’ll be a factor in the ACC race immediately.
Alabama’s path back to the CFP now requires swift fixes: more reliable short-yardage offense, cleaner third-down execution, and a defense that can dictate terms against mobile quarterbacks. The schedule will give the Tide chances to recover—just not much margin for error.