FSU FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER
Florida State football is finally here! I must be dreaming because it feels like the longest offseason of all time. This is what happens when the Seminoles finish with a 2-10 record in 2024. I never envisioned that the program would ever be in that position, but I was proven wrong.
The task doesn't get any easier as Florida State prepares to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 PM EST. While fans want to see the newly renovated stadium up close and personal, individuals would rather see Florida State get a win.
A variety of sportsbooks have Florida State advertised just below two touchdowns. The fan base is starving for success after the 10-3 and 13-1 seasons in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
FSU-ALABAMA GAME OUTLOOK
This could feel like a contest, where the Seminoles could be viewed as "overmatched". However, this is an Alabama team that lost to opponents such as Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan. This could be an indication that the Crimson Tide will looking to bounce in a huge way.
However, quarterback Thomas Castellanos said it best: "Nick Saban can't save them now!" He will be looking to cause issues for the Crimson Tide defense all afternoon long. While I never want to pray on the downfall of injuries, Alabama has had its fair share of those, with running back Jam Miller, offensive guard Jaeden Roberts, and defensive tackle Tim Kennan III.
Plus, it is expected to be a rainy forecast in Tallahassee for the kickoff. As much as I don't want to sit in Doak Campbell Stadium through a rainstorm, it should be a positive for Florida State as they want to establish the running game with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, Alabama will be starting quarterback Ty Simpson, and they will be without one of their star defensive linemen.
SCORE PREDICTION
We at ChopChat are back at it with our first edition of score predictions. With it being rainy, this contest could go several different ways, but I expect the Seminoles to remain competitive. I am not bold enough to predict an outright upset, but I do think that Florida State covers the +13.5 spread.
Taylor Devers: Alabama 31-20
Kelvin Hunt: Alabama 31-20
Griffin Durden: Alabama 34-23
Nick Andre: Florida State 19-16
Well, I am glad that Nick chose Florida State, so we don't all look foolish when the Seminoles pull off the upset. I hope that we can all leave Doak Campbell Stadium with smiles on our faces.