Last August, Florida State and Alabama appeared to be two programs in different directions. FSU’s upset win over the Crimson Tide vaulted the Noles into the AP’s top 20 and made it seem like 2024 was just a blip. Back in Tuscaloosa, fans were already calling for Kalen DeBoer’s job just a season and a game into his tenure.
Oh, how much things have changed.
Alabama righted the ship, advancing to the SEC Championship and winning a road playoff game in the CFP’s opening round. Even though this is clearly not the ‘same old ‘Bama under Nick Saban, DeBoer earned a contract extension this offseason and has the Tide perennially in the mix.
As everyone knows, the win over Alabama became the high-water mark for Norvell in 2025. The wheels quickly came off the car as the year went on, and now the FSU program is stuck in purgatory. Once again, the head coach has a chance for a signature win as the Seminoles finish off the home-and-home series with a road game against UA in September. But the chances of lightning striking twice feel almost non-existent.
Florida State vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide: 2026 Team Preview
Florida State vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: Game preview, predictions
Considering Florida State won last season, why not do it again? The Alabama crowd will be antsy, with last year’s defeat etched in its mind, and, as mentioned, could they turn against whoever is starting at quarterback if FSU’s defense forces a couple of early mistakes? That will have to be the recipe for the Noles to win on the road. If, and it is a big if, the defense creates multiple turnovers and Ashton Daniels hits some explosive plays to Duce Robinson, the Seminoles could get up early, hold on tight at the end, and shock the Crimson Tide for the second year in a row.
A season ago, FSU came into this game as two-touchdown underdogs. Today, ESPN Bet lists the Seminoles as 15.5-point underdogs, roughly the same thing. That will most likely be how this game plays out. While Alabama is not sharp, its depth and talent are no match for an FSU team that lacks in both of those categories. The Crimson Tide wins an unmemorable 27-10 game, and everyone moves on with their day.
Florida State gets smoked by Alabama on ABC, and is now 1-2 with Norvell’s seat on fire before the clock even turns to October. While most fans knew a loss was coming, the Crimson Tide embarrass FSU on national TV to avenge last season’s defeat, handing the Seminoles their second straight L after losing to SMU at home two weeks prior. There is almost nothing for the Noles to hang their hat on, and along with Norvell, the calls for a quarterback change grow louder.
2026 FSU football schedule