Seminoles score 24 unanswered points to hand Crimson Tide first non-conference road loss since 2003
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida State delivered a statement victory to open the 2025 season, overwhelming No. 8 Alabama 31-17 at a raucous Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Seminoles (1-0) turned what began as a back-and-forth affair into a dominant performance, scoring 24 consecutive points after Alabama’s opening touchdown drive. The victory snapped the Crimson Tide’s 23-game winning streak in season openers and marked their first non-conference regular-season road loss since 2003.
Castellanos Makes Impressive Debut
Transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos announced his arrival in Tallahassee with a dynamic dual-threat performance. The Boston College transfer completed 9 of 14 passes for 152 yards while leading the ground attack with 78 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
“Tommy showed exactly why we brought him here,” said Florida State head coach Mike Norvell. “His ability to make plays with his arm and legs kept Alabama’s defense off balance all afternoon.”
Castellanos set the tone early, capping FSU’s first scoring drive with a nine-yard touchdown run after a spectacular 40-yard completion to Squirrel White on third-and-long.
Ground Game Dominates
Florida State’s rushing attack proved unstoppable, accumulating 230 yards on 49 carries while four different players found the end zone. Wide receiver Micahi Danzy provided the most explosive moment with a 32-yard touchdown run that gave FSU a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.
The Seminoles’ ground dominance was particularly impressive against an Alabama defense that entered the game with championship aspirations. The Crimson Tide managed just 87 rushing yards – their fewest in a season opener since 1975.
NCAA Football News:
Defensive Statement
Florida State’s defense rose to the occasion against Alabama’s high-powered offense, recording seven tackles for loss and three sacks while forcing crucial turnovers on downs.
Linebacker Justin Cryer delivered the game’s most pivotal defensive play, stopping Alabama short on fourth-and-short at the FSU 32-yard line in the third quarter. Two plays later, Castellanos connected with Jaylin Lucas for a career-best 64-yard completion that set up a touchdown run by Caziah Holmes.
Defensive back Earl Little Jr. led the team with nine tackles and consistently disrupted Alabama’s passing attack throughout the afternoon.
Fans Celebrate upset win over #8 Alabama Seminole leads the team out onto the field for the big showdown. Seminole leads the team out onto the field for the big showdown. FSU Takes the field. FSu Head Coach Touchdown Seminoles Seminoles player getting crowd pumped FSU player celebrates FSU thanks the fans for their support FSU showcasing their football drip
Alabama’s Struggles
The Crimson Tide (0-1) showed flashes of their potential but couldn’t sustain drives against FSU’s aggressive defense. Quarterback Ty Simpson completed 23 of 43 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns but was sacked three times and faced constant pressure.
Alabama’s inability to establish a running game proved costly, as they managed just 3.0 yards per carry and failed to score a rushing touchdown for the first time in a season opener since 2003.
Historic Achievement
The victory represents Florida State’s ninth non-conference win against SEC competition in the last 10 seasons – second-most in the country during that span. Head coach Mike Norvell now has five non-conference victories against the SEC since 2016, also second-most nationally.
“This is what Florida State football is all about,” Norvell said. “Our players believed in the preparation and executed when it mattered most. This is just the beginning.”
Turning Point
The game’s momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter when Alabama turned the ball over on downs at the FSU 32-yard line. Castellanos immediately capitalized with his 64-yard strike to Lucas, and Holmes punched it in from four yards out to extend FSU’s lead to 24-7.
Alabama managed to cut the deficit to 24-17 early in the fourth quarter, but the Seminoles answered immediately with a methodical 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by Gavin Sawchuk’s 14-yard scoring run.
Looking Ahead
Florida State returns to Doak Campbell Stadium next Saturday to host East Texas A&M at noon on ACC Network. The Seminoles will look to build on this momentum as they begin what could be a special season in Tallahassee.
For Alabama, the loss serves as an early wake-up call in what was expected to be a championship season. The Crimson Tide must regroup quickly as they return home to face their next opponent.
The 67,277 fans in attendance witnessed a performance that announced Florida State’s return to national prominence and served notice that the Seminoles are ready to compete with college football’s elite once again.
Feel Every Moment of College Football
EA Sports College Football 25 brings the pageantry and passion of Saturday’s biggest games to life. Experience the electricity of Doak Campbell Stadium, the tradition of the SEC vs ACC, and the thrill of college football like never before.
Available now on PlayStation and Xbox.
Stay connected with Bad Dawg Sports for exclusive college football coverage and insights that others can’t tell you. From upset alerts to championship races, we bring you the stories behind America’s greatest college sports moments.
Follow @jj_pavlick on Twitter | Visit bad-dawgsports.com
Your Source for Global Sports News
Game Details:
- Final Score:Â Florida State 31, Alabama 17
- Date:Â Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Venue:Â Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
- Attendance:Â 67,277
- Records:Â Florida State (1-0), Alabama (0-1)
Discover more from Bad Dawg Sports - Global Sports Coverage & Analysis
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
