Week 3 is officially here, and for many Florida State fans, the week cannot end soon enough. The powerhouse that is No. 10 Alabama is currently waiting in Tuscaloosa. Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer previously stated that the focus of the team is on the 2026 game, and not on getting revenge for the 2025 loss to the Seminoles. However, Alabama could dominate the Seminoles even without the added motivation.
Last season did not pan out well for Florida State after the win in Tallahassee, and now the two teams meet under different circumstances. The Seminoles enter the contest without an athletic director after the firing of Michael Alford, and with a coach who truly could be fired any day now, in Mike Norvell. Winning may help Norvell land his next job, but the coach likely cannot do anything to remain in Tallahassee in 2027.
The circumstances surrounding Florida State are far more grim this time around, and a talented team like Alabama should be able to fully take advantage of the chaos. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC as Norvell will attempt to pull out another impossible win over the Crimson Tide.
Florida State vs. Alabama odds, spread, and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Alabama -1700
- Florida State +890
Spread
- Alabama -19.5 (-106)
- Florida State +19.5 (-114)
Total
- 49.5 (over -114/under -106)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Florida State vs. Alabama prediction
Going down to Tuscaloosa and walking away with a win is never an easy thing, regardless of the team. Florida State is currently tasked with doing so despite an uninspiring 1-1 start and a looming staff cleanout. The vibes around the Seminoles are not exactly high, and with the history of last season in mind, the Crimson Tide is not going to take things easy today.
Starting quarterback Ashton Daniels is not the man who helped Florida State beat Alabama last season, but Daniels does have experience playing against the Crimson Tide. The reality is that Daniels played one of his most productive games to date last season, and he still was unable to steal a win away. Alabama has a menacing, experienced defense this season that frankly could keep Daniels in the pocket or on the ground all afternoon.
Alabama should not have a problem pressuring Daniels, and without his ability to move, Florida State could be forced to rely on arm talent alone. Daniels has completed 58% of his passes this season for 327 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception for an average of 6.5 yards per completion. Florida State will need a fully functioning offense to avoid an almost certain disaster against the Crimson Tide.
The struggles on defense have been pretty clear for Florida State, especially after SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings tossed for 430 yards and three touchdowns. The miscommunications, low effort plays, and lack of pressure are going to catch up to the Seminoles in a far more notable way this season, and Alabama will likely be the team that exposes every weakness of the defense.
Prediction: Alabama 41, Florida State 10
Add us as a preferred source on Google