TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a stunning season opener, Florida State’s new quarterback Tommy Castellanos led the Seminoles to a convincing 31-17 victory over eighth-ranked Alabama, putting an end to the Crimson Tide’s remarkable 23-game winning streak in season debuts.

After struggling through a dismal 2-10 season last year, Florida State’s resurgence was marked by a dominant rushing performance that showcased the squad’s physicality. The Seminoles compiled 230 yards on the ground, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, compared to a dismal average of just 89.9 rushing yards per game in 2024.

Fans and students stormed the field at Doak Campbell Stadium to celebrate the unexpected upset, as Florida State entered the matchup as 13.5-point underdogs. This defeat was a major setback for Alabama, with coach Kalen DeBoer facing increased scrutiny following the loss. The former coach, Nick Saban, had previously led the team to six national titles, creating high expectations for DeBoer.

Alabama’s struggles were evident, particularly on the ground, where they managed only 87 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Florida State’s defense showcased its strength by stopping Alabama on four fourth-down attempts, including a pivotal stop with just over five minutes left on the clock.

Castellanos, a transfer from Boston College, played a crucial role in the Seminoles’ offense. He rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries while also completing 9 of 14 passes for 152 yards. Other contributors included Micahi Danzy, Caziah Holmes, and Gavin Sawchuk, each adding rushing touchdowns to the tally.

In his debut for Alabama, quarterback Ty Simpson connected on 23 of 43 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Germie Bernard emerged as a key target, racking up eight receptions for 146 yards.

Alabama initially set the tone with a lengthy opening drive that consumed nearly nine minutes and resulted in a touchdown. However, they struggled to maintain momentum, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities for the remainder of the game.

This victory marked a significant milestone for Florida State head coach Mike Norvell, beginning his sixth season on a positive note with a notable win over a Southeastern Conference opponent. The Seminoles look to build on this momentum in their next matchup against East Texas A&M.

Meanwhile, Alabama aims to regroup as they prepare to host Louisiana-Monroe next week, seeking to rebound from a disappointing performance. Both teams will look to secure victories in their upcoming games as the college football season unfolds.