Mon Sep 01 01:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Florida State Stuns No. 8 Alabama, Snapping Crimson Tide’s Opener Win Streak**

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Doak Campbell Stadium erupted in a sea of garnet and gold Saturday as Florida State pulled off a stunning 31-17 upset victory over No. 8 Alabama, ending the Crimson Tide’s 23-game winning streak in season openers. The Seminoles, coming off a dismal 2-10 season, delivered a crushing blow to Alabama and their College Football Playoff aspirations under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer.

Transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos spearheaded a dominant rushing attack, leading the Seminoles with 78 yards and a touchdown. The Florida State ground game, revitalized under new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, amassed 230 yards, a stark contrast to their paltry 89.9 yards per game last season.

“It’s one of the reasons why I came here, for moments like these, for days like these,” Castellanos said after the game.

Micahi Danzy, Caziah Holmes, and Gavin Sawchuk also contributed rushing touchdowns for Florida State. The Seminoles’ defense proved equally formidable, holding Alabama to just 87 rushing yards and forcing three crucial fourth-down stops.

While Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns in his debut, the Crimson Tide offense struggled to sustain drives. DeBoer, now 6-4 against unranked opponents as Alabama’s coach, expressed disappointment: “We can’t play on our heels. We’re not going to be what we think we can be, what we want to be, if that’s the case.”

The Seminoles’ victory marks their first win against a ranked opponent since the 2023 ACC Championship game. Head coach Mike Norvell praised his team’s aggressive mindset: “We wanted to be the aggressor. And we were. Our players, they rose to the challenge.”

The win will undoubtedly send shockwaves through college football, likely causing Alabama to plummet in the rankings and potentially propelling Florida State into the AP Top 25.

Alabama will look to rebound next Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe, while Florida State will host East Texas A&M.

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