Why FSU Football can dominate Alabama in 2017 season opener
By Jason Parker
FSU football is considered to be a heavy underdog for the opener against the Crimson Tide – but there is no reason they can’t come out with a big win.
In less than four weeks, third ranked FSU football will take the field in what may be the biggest opener in program history when they take on the top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide inside Atlanta’s brand new Mercedes Benz Stadium. In the eyes of many outside of Tallahassee and those wearing garnet and gold, the Seminoles are going to start the season with a loss.
Right now, the Seminoles are big underdogs heading into the opener – with many thinking the Crimson Tide are going to be too much for Florida State to handle. Hell, even some of those associated with Alabama are getting cocky, saying that the Tide are going to be up by 21 points after the first quarter.
Well, I’ve got news for you – not only will FSU football get a win in the opener, but they are going to dominate the Crimson Tide. Yeah, I said it!
Don’t believe me? It’s not that hard to realize that the Seminoles have the ability and talent to hand Alabama a convincing loss in the opener. By convincing, I’m not saying 51-7, but the Noles have a chance to win by double digits.
When it comes to the defense, the return of Derwin James to the lineup makes me believe that Jalen Hurts is going to be contained all night. With DJ3 and Tarvarus McFadden in the secondary, Hurts and running back Bo Scarborough are going to have to carry more of the load on the ground – where they will be met by players like Brian Burns, Josh Sweat and Derrick Nnadi among others.
When it comes to the FSU offense, there are some questions about how the running game will be (whether it’s Jacques Patrick or Cam Akers starting the game) and who else Deondre Francois will be throwing to other than Nyqwan Murray. However, the game plan is simple – don’t beat yourself with stupid turnovers and self inflicted shots.
Look, all the pressure is on Alabama in this one. If FSU football loses the game, there isn’t the shock factor since it is supposed to happen and the Seminoles can still win out and make the CFB Playoff. If the Crimson Tide lose, the sky will be falling on Tuscaloosa after dropping last year’s title game to Clemson and then losing the opener.
Next: FSU Title Games Ranked Among Best Games in CFB History
Sometimes, the most dangerous team is the one nobody gives a chance – which makes the touchdown or more underdogs from Tallahassee a very dangerous team to doubt.