Revenge is absolutely on the menu this Saturday when No. 10 Alabama hosts Florida State in a blockbuster nonconference showdown. This isn’t just any game, folks, it’s a high-stakes rematch from last year’s season opener where the Seminoles shocked No. 8 Alabama with a 31-17 upset. That loss set the Crimson Tide back, but they still bounced back to reach the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. Florida State, on the other hand, totally blew that early momentum and limped to a 5-7 finish. This time around, Bama is on their home turf at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and they are not looking to repeat history.
Keelon Russell’s Roller Coaster Ride
Alabama is coming into this game off a wild 45-17 win at Kentucky. Their sophomore quarterback, Keelon Russell, had an absolute nightmare start in his first career road game. The dude coughed up three turnovers in the first half! Can you even imagine the blood pressure in Tuscaloosa? But credit where it’s due, Russell settled down after that, the Crimson Tide defense absolutely locked things down, and their rushing attack started humming. That performance just screamed how green Russell still is. He needs to take care of the football, cut out the pre-snap penalties, and just hit the easy plays against Florida State. The schedule for Bama means they don’t need him to be a hero yet, but they certainly need him to be smarter with the ball.
The Clock Is Ticking For Mike Norvell
On the opposite sideline, Florida State coach Mike Norvell is basically sitting on a hot seat that’s actively on fire. This guy is in his seventh year, and his record is a mediocre 39-35 overall, with a dismal 22-27 in the ACC. He’s trying to avoid a third straight losing season, and honestly, things don’t look great. FSU barely beat New Mexico State in Week 0, looking totally unimpressive, then immediately dropped their ACC opener at home to SMU 27-24. To make matters worse for Norvell, Florida State just fired their athletic director, Michael Alford, on Monday. That move only fueled the speculation about whether Norvell could be next, even with a monstrous buyout north of $50 million. FSU could spread that cost over his contract, which runs through 2031. Plus, Norvell’s schedule is brutal, with Alabama this week, then Florida, and road games against ACC powerhouses Louisville and Miami in consecutive weeks next month.
This Saturday, Alabama simply cannot afford another loss before they dive into the grind of the SEC’s first-ever nine-game conference schedule. For Norvell and FSU, a win here could be a much-needed shot in the arm. A loss? Well, the heat just keeps rising.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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