After a 2-10 season in 2024 for Florida State University, head coach Mike Norvell will likely be looking for a bounce-back campaign to retain his job with the Seminoles. FSU could not have asked for a better start to the season, as the ‘Noles took down No. 8 Alabama at home 31-17.
Former Boston College quarterback Tommy Castellanos was one of the bigger transfer portal signings of the offseason, and he wasted no time after he signed with FSU by letting the fans know he was coming for blood. Castellanos trolled Alabama by making “Nick Can’t Save Them” shirts, referencing legendary head coach Nick Saban, who is now retired.
“They don’t have Nick Saban to save them,” Castellanos said back in June.
Castellanos was electric in his debut in Tallahassee, especially on the ground. The former Boston College Eagle went 9-of-14, passing for 152 yards to go along with 16 carries of his own for 78 yards, and a touchdown to lead Florida State in rushing.
After the first quarter ended with the game tied 7-7, the Seminoles controlled the rest of the way, outsourcing Alabama 24-10 across the final three quarters.
Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson went 23-of-43 passing for 254 yards and two touchdowns in his debut as a starter. Germie Bernard led the receivers for Bama, tallying eight receptions for 146 yards.
Star wide out Ryan Williams left the game in the second half after a hard hit and was later diagnosed with a concussion.
After the victory, Florida State moved to No. 14 in the Associated Press Poll, while the Crimson Tide dropped all the way to No. 21.
