Dominic Ambrose
Writer
The Florida State Seminoles began the 2025 season as a 14.5-point underdog against the eighth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. They answered the call and delivered one of the biggest shocks in the opening weekend of the football season on Saturday with a 31-17 win in Doak Campbell Stadium.
Alabama received the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards in a 17-play drive to take an early 7-0 lead. The Seminoles and new quarterback Thomas Castellanos would not be deterred, answering with a 75-yard drive of their own to tie the game at seven after the first quarter. Castellanos connected with receiver Squirrel White on a 40-yard bomb to give the Seminoles a red zone opportunity.
The second quarter saw the Crimson Tide and quarterback Ty Simpson struggle to gain any momentum. Alabama missed a field goal and had to punt twice in its opening three possessions. The Seminoles added a touchdown when receiver Micahi Danzy raced for 32 yards to increase the lead to 14-7. Kicker Jake Weinberg would add a 45-yard field goal to increase the lead to 17-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter, after both teams turned the ball over, the Seminoles found the endzone again with a two play 68-yard drive that was highlighted by Castellanos connecting with running back Jaylin Lucas for a 64-yard reception. Alabama would add a field goal to make the score 24-10 when Conor Talty was successful from 40 yards away.
The fourth quarter saw Simpson connect with receiver Rico Scott on a six-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 24-17. The Seminoles answered with a touchdown drive of their own to put the game out of reach. Running back Gavin Sawchuck powered his way 14 yards to reach the endzone and extend the lead to 31-17.
While Alabama scored first in the game, the Seminoles had answers. When redshirt freshman Micahi Danzy reached the endzone, showcasing his speed, the team put college football on notice that this Seminole team that took the field today is ready to keep climbing.
The win helped answer a lot of questions that surrounded this team after a disappointing 2024 season. A signature win, against a top 10 team, has the Seminoles looking to climb back into their place atop the Atlantic Coast Conference and a possible playoff berth. Coach Mike Norvell and his staff have this team locked in and ready for any challenges. The Seminoles next face the Lions of East Texas A&M on September 6.
The loss hurts head coach Kalen Deboer and the Crimson Tide moving forward. With a preseason ranking in the top 10, hopes and expectations were high. On the bright side, the loss was early in the season. There is still time to fix the Crimson Tide’s issues before the next game, like the eight penalties for 70 yards. The Crimson Tide plays the University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks on September 6.
Cody Slovensky
Writer
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Editor
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