All offseason long, the question surrounding Florida State was just how much of a turnaround Mike Norvell could pull off.
While there are still 11 games remaining on the schedule, that question seems to firmly be a yes.
From start to finish, FSU showcased a level of execution that seemed to shock Alabama just as much as anybody else observing the game. Time and time again, the Seminoles seemed to bend and not break, holding steady on third and fourth down to snuff out a multitide of seemingly-promising
Alabama drives.
The Crimson Tide took their opening drive to the house, putting together a 16-play, 75-yard drive and chewing up 8:50 of game time but by the time the clock hit zero, that would end up being their most successful drive of the day.
The Seminoles came out swinging, with quarterback Tommy Castellanos hitting Squirrel White on a deep completion to set up their first touchdown of the day. After Alabama missed a field goal on its next drive, FSU took advantage and went up 14-7 off a Michai Danzy reverse — a lead that was padded by a Jake Weinberg field goal and then another massive completion (Castellanos to Jaylin Lucas) to set up a Caziah Holmes touchdown to kick off the third.
After Florida State once again forced an Alabama punt, the Tide got a little bit of life injected back into their comeback hopes as Lucas’ failed to get out of the way of a rolling ball. FSU was then whistled for another pass interference penalty on a ball thrown Ryan Williams’ way, putting Alabama on the 31-yard line in the closing minute of the quarter.
Once again, though, the Florida State defense stepped up in a major way, getting to Simpson and forcing a throw on the run, which bobbled out of Williams’ hands.
After FSU was forced to punt, Alabama managed to drive into red zone territory once more, looking to close the gap further — a goal accomplished by way of Simpson’s second touchdown pass of the game, making it 24-17 with 11 minutes left in the matchup.
Florida State, on its successive drive, gambled and went for it on fourth down from its own 34, converting to keep the chains and clock moving. The Seminoles were granted a gift after a Castellanos keeper went for no gain, with a late hit making it first and 10 from the Alabama 46-yard line.
Danzy once again got the chance to showcase his speed, taking a reverse for 26-yards on second and 10 to put the Seminoles in red zone territory. Two plays later, Gavin Sawchuck broke through the middle and, through a combination of Grown Man Power and team blocking, put Florida State back up 31-17 with just over seven minutes left in the game.
Alabama, on its successive drive, once again was forced to go for it on fourth down and managed to convert. A potential targeting call was overturned after replay showed that Earl Little Jr. hit his own player rather than Williams and on 3rd and 10, the Florida State pass defense forced an overthrow. This time, Alabama came up short despite a heroic scramble attempt by Simpson, giving the Seminoles back the ball at midfield.
Florida State then began the process of winding the game down, pacing out a drive that drained the clock enough that the Seminoles were able to kneel things out and secure arguably the biggest win of the Mike Norvell era.
Florida State takes the field next vs. East Texas.
