FSU FOOTBALL
Florida State football will be taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, August 30th at 3:30 PM EST on ABC. Can you believe it? We are only three days away!
The fan base is ready to see what the Seminoles are made of after the embarrassing 2-10 record last year. It wasn't ideal for a program that is expected to compete for conference and national championships. With that said, it is time for head football coach Mike Norvell to lick his wounds and get back to the drawing board.
Coach Norvell made plenty of changes this offseason as he acquired forty-four transfers and recruits while also grabbing six new coaches on staff. One of the biggest pulls is the addition of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. This is important because he is an "Alabama slayer" after beating them three times in his coaching career.
FSU OFFENSE VERSUS ALABAMA DEFENSE
With the addition of Coach Malzahn, the Seminoles will want to emphasize the running game early and often. The UCF Knights averaged 248.1 rushing yards per game last year, while the Seminoles were only able to muster 89.9 per game.
The program secured former Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk and former four-star prospect Ousmane Kromah this offseason, so both weapons will be ways for the Seminoles' offense to exploit Alabama's defense.
It was reported on Wednesday afternoon that Alabama defensive tackle Tim Keenan suffered a lower-body injury and will miss the Florida State season opener. He was the strength of the Crimson Tides' defensive line, where he recorded 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2024.
Alabama is already without starting running back Jam Miller for the game, and could potentially be without starting offensive guard Jaeden Roberts. Knocking on wood, but the Seminoles look to be heading into Saturday's matchup with a bit of optimism to run the football.