Florida State Seminoles Upset No. 8 Alabama 31-17 at Doak Campbell Stadium
By Space Coast Daily // August 30, 2025
Florida State piled up 230 rushing yards in the victory
ABOVE VIDEO: Florida State delivered a statement victory on Saturday night, stunning No. 8 Alabama 31-17 at Doak Campbell Stadium and snapping the Crimson Tide’s streak of 23 consecutive season-opening wins.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Florida State delivered a statement victory on Saturday night, stunning No. 8 Alabama 31-17 at Doak Campbell Stadium and snapping the Crimson Tide’s streak of 23 consecutive season-opening wins.
Noles’ quarterback Tommy Castellanos set the tone for the Seminoles with 78 rushing yards and a touchdown, leading a bruising ground attack that overwhelmed Alabama.
The win marks a dramatic turnaround for Florida State, which is coming off a 2-10 campaign in 2024.
The upset sent students and fans pouring onto the field in celebration, as the Seminoles defied expectations as 13 ½-point underdogs, according to Sportsbook.
Under the direction of new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, the Seminoles showed a brand of physicality missing a year ago.
Florida State piled up 230 rushing yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry — a stark improvement from last season’s 89.9-yard rushing average.
For Alabama, the loss is a major early-season blow. The Tide had not dropped an opener since 2001, when Dennis Franchione’s squad fell to UCLA 20-17.
Now, second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer faces mounting pressure from a fan base accustomed to dominance after Nick Saban’s six national championships in Tuscaloosa.
