The FSU Seminoles are back after a bye week, and it is time for their toughest test of the season. Florida State (0-1, 0-1 ACC) is set to play the No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0, 1-0 SEC) on the road.
The Seminoles are looking to bounce back after losing to the SMU Mustangs 27-24 in Week 1, but it will be tough. The offense has struggled through two weeks so far, with running backs Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. being the lone bright spots on offense.
The defense will also be looking to clean up the mistakes that have plagued them through two weeks, with them struggling to pressure the quarterback and the secondary struggling to stay with wide receivers and communicate effectively, allowing opposing offenses to generate explosive plays
through the air.
While Alabama is the most talented team FSU has faced this season and is loaded with playmakers, the Seminoles are coming off a bye, giving them some extra time to work on their issues. FSU pulled off the upset last year, and anything is possible, but here are five reasons why I think Alabama will be the team to win on Saturday.
Alabama's defensive line will dominate
Alabama's defense has taken a step forward to start this season, and the defensive line is a major reason why. FSU's offensive line has struggled so far, and it is unclear who will start at right tackle. They are 12th in the country in sacks with 7.0, and the Seminoles will have to be better to contain Devan Thompkins, Yhonzae Pierre, and more.
FSU's road mistakes will continue
Florida State has not won a road game over the past two seasons, going 0-9 and suffering multiple embarrassing losses. Several of them have been self-inflicted, with them committing penalties, turning the ball over, and just not playing well enough to win. Those miscues will continue in what should be a packed and rowdy Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Keelon Russell will go off
Last time FSU's defense was on the field, Kevin Jennings torched them, and it could be Russell's turn. The talented redshirt freshman has been fine to start the year, but has yet to have a big game. He has a talented arm and is capable of creating with his legs, something that has caused FSU plenty of issues under Tony White.
Alabama will win 3rd down
FSU has been awful on 3rd down, allowing their opponents to convert on 58.1% of their chances and converting on just 35.7% of their own. They rank 136th and 94th in the country in each category, allowing opponents to extend drives against the Seminoles as their offense struggled to stay on the field. It will be even tougher for FSU's offense on Saturday; Alabama leads the country in 3rd-down defense, allowing just one conversion on 23 attempts, and is much better on offense, converting on 50% of their chances.
Ashton Daniels' struggles will continue
Daniels is far from the only problem with FSU's offense, but the veteran has struggled to start the season. He has thrown for just 327 yards and two touchdowns, completing 58% of his passes and adding one interception through two games. He has struggled to protect the football throughout his career, and FSU can not afford him to turn the ball over against Alabama or miss open wide receivers.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Five reasons FSU could lose to the Alabama Crimson Tide
