Florida State threatened to stun Alabama for a second straight season. Keelon Russell and the Crimson Tide answered with an offensive avalanche.
No. 10 Alabama erased a 21 to 6 deficit and beat Florida State 50 to 36 at Bryant Denny Stadium. Russell threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, ran for another score, and guided the Crimson Tide through a remarkable stretch of five consecutive touchdown possessions.
Florida State landed first
The Seminoles attacked Alabama with explosive plays and built a 15 point advantage early in the second quarter. Ashton Daniels pushed the ball downfield, Duce Robinson created problems for the secondary, and the Crimson Tide struggled to generate consistent offense on the ground.
The afternoon became even more unusual when lightning delayed the opening kickoff and interrupted the second quarter. After the second weather stoppage, the teams agreed to skip halftime and continue playing.
Alabama used the disruption as a reset. Ryan Coleman Williams turned a short completion into a 46 yard touchdown, and Russell found Kaleb Edwards for the score that put the Crimson Tide ahead before the break.
Five straight drives changed everything
Once Alabama found its rhythm, Florida State could not slow it down. The Crimson Tide scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions across the second and third quarters, transforming a 21 to 6 deficit into a 40 to 28 lead.
Russell completed 23 of 30 passes without an interception. Lotzeir Brooks caught eight passes for 101 yards, while Trae'shawn Brown led the running backs with 86 yards. Alabama finished with 567 total yards and did not commit a turnover.
Florida State kept fighting. Daniels threw for 377 yards and two touchdowns, and Robinson finished with six catches for 135 yards and a score. The Seminoles pulled within seven during the fourth quarter, giving themselves one more chance to turn the game.
Alabama responded with its most important drive of the night. The Crimson Tide marched 90 yards before Brown scored from 20 yards out with 2:15 remaining. Bray Hubbard intercepted Daniels on the next Florida State possession, ending the comeback threat.
Alabama gets its answer
Florida State beat Alabama 31 to 17 in the 2025 season opener, and the Seminoles looked capable of producing another upset during the first half in Tuscaloosa. This time Alabama had the response.
The defense allowed too many explosive plays, but Russell stayed composed and the offense never stopped attacking. Alabama leaves 3 and 0 with a dramatic comeback, an emerging star at quarterback, and plenty to correct before returning to conference play. Florida State falls to 1 and 2 after letting a major road opportunity disappear during Alabama's five drive surge.