Alabama opens Kalen DeBoer’s second season on the road, traveling to Doak Campbell Stadium for a showdown with Florida State that rekindles a long-running non-conference series. After a 9-4 finish in 2024, the Crimson Tide face a Florida State program that endured a tough 2024, finishing 2-10, in a game that could shape early-season momentum for both programs.
First-half snapshot
– The game kicked off with Alabama and Florida State locked in a back-and-forth start. Alabama struck first on Ty Simpson’s early connection with Josh Cuevas for a touchdown, capping a methodical opening drive that showcased Simpson’s dual-threat potential.
– Florida State answered with a scoring drive that featured a sizable gain, and the Seminoles eventually tied the game in the first quarter on a Castellanos run after a sequence that included a big pass to Squirrel White setting up the score.
– By the end of the first quarter, the teams were tied, and Alabama’s offense had already shown signs of life under Simpson, who had two rushing attempts early in the plan and was directing the Tide’s offense in DeBoer’s second season.
– In the second quarter, Florida State pulled ahead with a sustained drive that culminated in a scoring play, and Alabama’s special-teams unit encounters somemissed opportunities as Conor Talty’s long-range field-goal attempt failed late in the half. Florida State extended its lead with a big-play touchdown that put Alabama in a more demanding position heading into halftime.
Key players to watch
– Ty Simpson: Making his first career start as Alabama’s quarterback, Simpson is the focal point of the Tide’s offense in Year 2 under Ryan Grubb’s system. He’s shown mobility and accuracy on rollouts and play-action, while also needing to tighten downfield consistency as the season progresses.
– Richard Young and the backfield: With Jam Miller sidelined by a collarbone injury, Richard Young drew the start, with additional depth from Daniel Hill and Dre Washington in the mix. The Tide will lean on the RB room to support a young quarterback in a tricky road environment.
– Alabama’s defense and scheme: Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5, ball-hawk approach is in its second year, designed to pressure the quarterback and generate takeaways. Alabama’s ability to disrupt Florida State’s rhythm could swing the game in the Tide’s favor as the night wears on.
– Freshmen and depth chart notes: Dijon Lee started at outside corner early, with Zabien Brown sliding to husky safety duties. Alabama’s depth chart also features competition at several spots along the offensive line and at the right guard position, where Geno VanDeMark and Jaeden Roberts are in the mix.
Injury and sideline notes
– Alabama has some early-season injury questions, including Tim Keenan III (ankle) and Jam Miller (collarbone) listed as out for this game. Richard Young’s role was emphasized as the game began, reflecting the Tide’s need to establish balance on offense.
– The Alabama sideline featured visible leadership from Ty Simpson as the team prepared for a significant road challenge, with captaincy and a strong pregame message from the quarterback.
Context and outlook
– Series history and matchup dynamics: Florida State and Alabama have met five times, with Alabama holding a 3-2 edge in the all-time series. The most recent meeting was in 2017. This matchup marks Alabama’s first true-conference road opener since 2000, underscoring the daunting challenge on the road at Doak Campbell.
– Season arc for 2025: Alabama’s schedule features high-profile tests beyond this opener, including key SEC games and a non-conference slate designed to test the Tide’s growth under DeBoer and Grubb, while Florida State aims to rebound from 2024’s disappointing finish and reestablish its program’s trajectory.
Predictions and takeaway
– Local predictions highlighted Alabama’s defense as a potential stabilizing force if it can pressure Florida State’s quarterback and limit big plays. Offensively, the early transitions at quarterback and a new-look line could lead to some growing pains, but there’s confidence in Alabama’s depth and talent to stay competitive.
– The game will likely hinge on Alabama’s ability to quiet the Doak Campbell crowd, control the line of scrimmage, and exploit mismatches in the run game while Simpson grows into the role of a game-manager quarterback who can stretch the field.
What this means going forward
– For Alabama: If the Tide can tighten the operation on offense and sustain fewer self-inflicted errors, Year 2 under DeBoer could gain momentum quickly, with a defense that continues to grow into Kane Wommack’s scheme.
– For Florida State: A strong start at home would be a statement after a difficult 2024, and the Seminoles will look to build on that effort with more consistency on both sides of the ball as the season unfolds.
If you’re following the game, keep an eye on:
– Ty Simpson’s decision-making and pocket presence in his first full-season starter role.
– How Alabama’s offensive line handles pressure and whether they can establish a sustained ground game with Richard Young.
– The Tide’s ability to generate positive plays on early downs and convert in the red zone.
– Florida State’s continued effectiveness in the run game and how Tommy Castellanos leverages big plays to move the chains.
Additional note for readers
– The game is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff and will be broadcast on ABC. It’s a significant early-season test that could set the tone for Alabama’s trajectory in 2025, especially as the team navigates a road challenge in a tough environment to begin the year.
Overall, the showdown in Tallahassee offers a compelling early-season measure for Alabama’s progression under DeBoer, while Florida State seeks to prove it can rebound from a down 2024 and reclaim its status as a premier program in the ACC and beyond. The first half provided a glimpse of the paths both programs will travel this season, with the second half likely to reveal which team makes the sharper adjustments and seizes control.