Opening loss has analyst questioning Alabama's ranking 

The Crimson Tide has not gone unranked in the Associated Press Top 25 since the end of the 2007 season, Nick Saban's first at the helm in Tuscaloosa. 

Alabama came into the season with great preseason hype while the Seminoles are coming off a dreadful 2-10 campaign in 2024, when HC Mike Norvell's team finished last in the ACC. The Seminoles are now ranked 14th. 

Florida State dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides and generated pressure on Alabama QB Ty Simpson all game. It is fair to question whether Florida State has improved greatly or if Alabama simply isn't good under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer.

The Crimson Tide will play cupcake Louisiana Monroe on Saturday at home and then Wisconsin at home on Sept. 13 before they battle SEC rival Georgia in Athens on Sept. 27. 

Simpson, who went 23-for-43 for 254 yards and two touchdown passes, appeared to be uncomfortable and made a bevy of questionable decisions with the football. Furthermore, the Crimson Tide's rushing attack was far below par (three yards a carry). 

On defense, the Tide yielded a staggering 230 rushing yards, with Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos accounting for 78. 

For DeBoer and the Crimson Tide, the priority is getting Simpson comfortable in the offense and establishing the run to take pressure off their quarterback. Until Alabama's offensive line finds consistency, Simpson and the rushing attack will struggle to find rhythm. 

Since Saban's retirement, DeBoer has struggled to maintain his predecessor's nearly two-decade high standard, and after this embarrassing loss, the pressure will only intensify for the former Washington head coach.