Former Alabama QB details biggest challenge Tide will face against Florida State

Alabama football will be challenged with defending the element of surprise and uncertainty right out of the gates to begin their 2025 campaign when they take on Florida State.

Former Alabama quarterback, AJ McCarron feels Florida State could be a difficult team for Alabama to assess leading up to their season opener after the Seminoles had a down year in 2024 and hired veteran college football offensive mind, Gus Malzahn, during the offseaon.

McCarron highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the Seminoles as an area of concern during a recent episode of “The Bama Dynasty Podcast.”

“Florida State was awful last year,” McCarron said. “I mean just horrendous in all aspects, offense, defense, special teams. So, you don’t really know what you’re getting going against Florida State this year? The tough part for them is not having any film on Florida State’s offensive scheme coming into this year.”

McCarron also highlighted the troubles Malzahn could give the Tide based on his track record of giving Alabama’s defenses problems as a member of the Auburn coaching staff.

“Now I understand they’re going to be watching a ton of UCF, but you just don’t know how Florida State’s going to run Gus’s (Malzahn) offense with the talent he has there,” McCarron said. “Because the talent he has there is going to be different than UCF right and if there’s one person that has given Alabama nightmares in the past it’s been Gus and his offense. It’s like he always had the correct recipe to beat coach Saban. He knew what trick plays, he knew when to call them…They’re gonna be a tough opponent because you don’t know what to expect.”

Alabama football looks to continue their preparation for Florida State on both sides of the ball this summer and fall as they gear up to kick their 2025 season off against the Seminoles.