Game Prediction: #Alabama Crimson Tide vs Florida State Seminoles

Week one of the college football season is loaded with big games, and that includes the matchup between the 8th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida State Seminoles. Both schools are looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons in 2024, although to varying degrees. Alabama will look to kick off year two of the Kalen DeBoer with a big road win, while Mike Norvell will look to get the Seminoles back on track.

Location: Doak Campbell Stadium (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Date: Saturday, August 30th
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Network: ABC
Line: Alabama -13.5; O/U: 49.5

Here are the Irish Breakdown predictions for this matchup:

BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER

Prediction: Alabama 31, Florida State 14

It's hard to know what this Florida State team will look like after completely revamping its roster through the transfer portal. That makes predicting this game a challenge, but it's hard to envision this team completely turning it around in just one game. Alabama had a disappointing end to the 2024 season, but it has reloaded and is poised for a bounce back season. Quarterback Ty Simpson is a smart quarterback with quality tools as a thrower and runner, and I believe he's a strong fit for the Alabama offense. He'll have a loaded group of skill players to throw to and he's playing behind one of the best lines in college football. Florida State could have a tough time defending wide receiver Ryan Williams, and the addition of transfer Isaiah Horton (Miami, Fla.) gives him a big bodied complement on the outside.

Florida State will need dynamic quarterback Thomas Castellanos to back up all his summer talk. He'll need to gash Alabama with his legs, but at the end of the day the offense won't reach its full potential without Castellanos being more effective as a thrower. Alabama's defensive line will be without Tim Keenan, which should help Florida State hold up inside, but Alabama still holds a major advantage there. The Seminole pass catchers are athletic, but Alabama returns a quality secondary.

I think Alabama is too balanced, too deep and too talented for this Florida State team, at least this early in the season. Florida State will compete early but I see the Crimson Tide pulling away in the second half.

VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST

Prediction: Alabama 35, Florida State 10

Florida State is coming off one of the worst seasons I can remember when the previous year they were in the discussion for the National Championship. It was an absolute dumpster fire. The fact we are even talking about this game is because Alabama is playing in it, not the Seminoles. It is going to take some big time play from FSU to knock off the Tide in this one. I just don't see it. Roll Tide.

TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Alabama 31, Florida State 21

I would be lying if I said I knew what to expect from the Seminoles. They're a complete unknown for me heading into the season. I'll say this, I'm confident in saying that they will be better than last season, but what does that look like? I think Alabama is poised to go on a run this season. Kalen DeBoer is heading into year two at the helm and is reuniting with his offensive coordinator from his stint at Washington. I like the pieces coming back for the Crimson Tide on offense, especially their receiving corps. Florida State has a completely rebuilt roster, and it's a relatively big unknown. 

I have Alabama winning on the road in this game. I think, at times, the game will look a little closer than what the final score will indicate, but I sometimes, it comes down to the 'Jimmy's and the Joe's" and I think the Crimson Tide has the horses to win this season opener on the road against the Seminoles. 

ANDREW McDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR

Prediction: Alabama 41, Florida State 20

Florida State hit rock bottom in an abysmal 2024, and in contrast to last season, I expect the Seminoles to show up and play with heart in front of the home crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if this game was close heading into halftime as the Crimson Tide find their offensive footing with quarterback Ty Simpson making his first career start. However, the Seminoles don't have the horses to keep up with the Tide for 4 quarters - Alabama is one of the nation's most talented teams, ranking second in the 247 Talent Composite which measures overall roster talent. Simpson's life will be made easier when throwing to a wide receiving corps that includes Ryan Williams and Isaiah Horton. In the end, the Crimson Tide win this one going away, though there will be positives to take away for Mike Norvell's team. 

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