Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt does not expect Florida State’s trip to face the No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide to be particularly close. Klatt picked the No. 10 Crimson Tide to defeat the Seminoles 38-10 on Saturday in Tuscaloosa and backed Alabama to cover a 19.5-point spread during his Week 3 predictions.
His outlook comes as the two programs enter the matchup moving in different directions. Florida State is 1-1 following a 27-24 home loss to No. 19 SMU, while Alabama improved to 2-0 with a 45-17 road victory over Kentucky.
“Florida State is in a panic right now,” Klatt said while discussing the state of Mike Norvell’s program.
Klatt also pointed to the recent dismissal of FSU athletics director Michael Alford and questioned how Norvell will navigate
a difficult upcoming schedule. Florida State fired Alford on Monday, with Bruce Warwick taking over as interim athletics director.
On the field, Klatt was particularly skeptical that Florida State’s offense will be able to establish its rushing attack against Alabama.
The Seminoles have leaned heavily on running backs Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. through two games, while quarterback Ashton Daniels and the passing game have yet to consistently produce explosive plays. Against SMU, FSU finished with 199 rushing yards but only 125 through the air.
Klatt came away much more encouraged by Alabama’s second half against Kentucky. The Crimson Tide trailed 17-13 at halftime before scoring 32 unanswered points, rushing for 155 yards overall and holding the Wildcats to just 62 total yards after halftime.
He believes that performance could represent an important turning point for freshman quarterback Keelon Russell and Alabama’s offense, particularly if the Crimson Tide can continue creating balance with its running game.
There is also a revenge element to Saturday’s matchup. Florida State stunned Alabama 31-17 in Tallahassee to open the 2025 season, something Klatt believes should eliminate any concern about the Crimson Tide overlooking the Seminoles.
Florida State and Alabama kick off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Joel Klatt predicts a rough afternoon ahead for FSU vs Alabama
