Alabama Recap: Tide Jolted by Revamped ‘Noles in Opener, 31-17
After a disappointing 2024 debut, Kalen DeBoer and the new look Crimson Tide’s opener in Tallahassee against a Florida State squad that was loaded with transfers after a horrible 2-10 campaign last season was supposed to be the first step towards a giant year for the Tide, one that would move the program towards getting back to the “Alabama Standard.” All of that came crashing down as the unranked and 13 ½ point underdog Seminoles dominated Alabama, handing the 8th ranked Crimson Tide a convincing 31-17 loss. In the words of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, Bama was “average and lethargic” in its opener, and it marked the first time since 2001 that Alabama has lost an opening contest. Moreover, it was the 4th loss to an unranked team in the DeBoer era. In all those games, Bama was heavily favored to win, but failed to deliver.
It was a disappointing, almost disastrous start to DeBoer’s second year in T-Town. FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos made headlines this summer, talking big about how Alabama would not be able to stop him. Despite Tide defenders stating that all disrespect would be dealt with, the Boston College transfer backed up his bold claim by running all over the Tide to the tune of 78 rushing yards and a touchdown, while throwing for an additional 152 yards through the air. The Tide defense had been stamped in the preseason as a crew that could be Bama’s best in years, yet they were dominated by the Noles. In all, FSU ran right through Kane Wommack’s Tide defense for 230 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Bama’s failure to attack on defense was glaringly obvious. Missing all-American candidate Tim Keenen on the line due to an ankle injury did not help, but Bama is supposed to be deep and capable on defense and the boys in the white jerseys simply did not get the job done.
With the offseason addition of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, expectations were high that the Tide offense would hum and wreak havok on opposing offenses. No such luck Saturday, as new quarterback Ty Simpson’s pedestrian performance consistently failed to deliver and failed to convert in key situations. Bama’s offensive line, anchored by veteran all-American candidates Parker Brailsford and Kadyn Proctor, was pushed around much of the afternoon by a new look FSU defense. With starting tailback Jam Miller sidelined for a few weeks with a collarbone injury, Bama’s talented yet young crew of backs failed to impact, gaining a mere 85 yards on the ground combined.
Things started off well as Bama’s impressive opening drive covered 75 yards and chewed up 8:50 off the clock. Simpson hit tight end Josh Cuevas for a 2-yard touchdown, and all seemed well in the world. But in honor of the great Lee Corso on his final College Gameday appearance, “not so fast my friend.” On FSU’s first drive, Bama appeared to force the ‘Noles into a three and out after Castellanos incompletion, yet a Bama holding penalty extended the drive that ended with the Nole’s quarterback running in from 9 yards to tie the score 7-7. Bama took the ensuing kickoff and a good-looking drive stalled at the FSU 35-yard line and ended with new placekicker Conor Talty coming up short from 53 yards. On their next drive, Florida State would in essence take control of the game as they marched 65 yards in eight plays as receiver Micahi Danzy took an end around from 32 yards out to give the Seminoles a lead they would not relinquish. FSU would add a field goal to go into halftime firmly in control of the game, 17-7.
The second half started with a rare FSU punt and Bama drove to the Seminole’s 36-yard line only to fail on a 4th down conversion. Aided by a 64 yard Castellanos to Jaylin Lucas pass, FSU needed just two plays on their next possession to punch it in for six as the ‘Noles increased their lead to 24-7 at the 9:45 mark of the third quarter. Simpson and the Tide offense would respond and score the next 10 points to cut the lead to 24-17 with 11:00 remaining in the game. However, a backbreaking 10 play, 75-yard drive engineered by Malzahn’s offense capped off by a Gavin Sawchuk 14-yard touchdown run grew the FSU lead to 31-17. Bama was unable to respond, and the shocking upset was complete. For the 11th straight time, Tide fans watched their opponents storm the after beating Bama at home. At least it is good to see that beating Bama still means something.
On the day, Simpson went 23-43 for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns, while the leading rusher was Kevin Riley, who gained 31 yards. The vaunted Bama receiving corps was led by Germie Berard’s 8 catches for 146 yards. Super sophomore Ryan Williams struggled with several drops and gained just 30 yards on 5 catches. To make Williams’ day worse, he was knocked out in the 4th quarter with a concussion.
All in all, Mike Norvell and new coordinators Gus Malzahn of Auburn lore and Tony White outcoached DeBoer and his staff very much like Brent Venables of Oklahoma and Clark Leah at Vanderbilt did a year ago. Bama looked badly unprepared and outmatched by a team that finished the year 2-10 last season. It is true that through departures, the transfer portal, and two new coordinators, this is a very different Seminole squad, and they could end up being a factor in the ACC race. However, to get dominated the way the Tide did is no excuse and leaves Bama Nation wondering where this era of Bama football, and the overall program, is headed. The season is long, and all is far from lost for those wearing Crimson, and the next two games at home against Louisiana Monroe and Wisconsin should result in victories before heading to Athens to take on Georgia for Bama’s SEC opener later in September. However, FSU was supposed to be a convincing victory, and it turned into yet another massive disappointment in the post-Saban era.
Alabama has 11 more opportunities to right the wrong from Tallahassee. In addition, with the 12-team playoff format, chances are that no team will go unbeaten, and with Bama’s talent and potential, pulling a 2024 Notre Dame is certainly a possibility. Yet, the playoffs seem very far away from this squad right now and as the reality of an opportunity missed Saturday settles in, it is yet to be seen what the 2025 version of the Tide is truly made up of. ULM next Saturday night could not get here fast enough.
