Alabama is off to a 2-0 start and passed its first test of the season a week ago in Lexington, rallying from a 17-13 halftime deficit to roll to a 45-17 win.
Now, the Crimson Tide is back home at Bryant-Denny Stadium for a game that has been circled on everyone's calendars.
Alabama will face off against Florida State, looking to avenge last season's shocking loss to open the season in Tallahassee. The Mike Norvell era appears nearly over, and the Crimson Tide would like nothing more than to drive the final nail in the coffin.
Alabama is a heavy favorite for a reason, but it would be foolish to ignore that Florida State is a talented team with players more than capable of giving the Crimson Tide issues. If Alabama comes out as sloppy as it did last week against Kentucky, this matchup could be closer than any Tide fan wants it to be.
Kalen DeBoer has tried to downplay the revenge angle, but it's clear that this game means a little something extra to the players and coaches. It certainly does to the fans. If Alabama plays at the level it's capable of, then this game might get ugly and provide the kind of cathartic blowout that fans are hoping to see.
Betting odds for Alabama vs. Florida State
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 5am ET on Saturday.
Spread: Alabama -19.5
Over/Under: 49.5
Moneyline: Alabama -1700/Florida State +890
Alabama vs. Florida State game predictions
Alabama should be able to take advantage of a leaky Florida State defense. The 'Noles have struggled against the pass, and while the run defense has been better, the pile of injuries they've had in the middle at linebacker should open up opportunities for the Crimson Tide to hit some explosive plays on the ground. With Michael Carroll back in the lineup, Alabama's running game should take another step forward this week.
On the other side of the ball, it's difficult to see the Seminoles finding much success with how one-dimensional they've been. Ashton Daniels is tough to stop when he uses his legs, but he's never invoked much fear with his arm. If Alabama can shut down Ousmane Kromah and the FSU ground game, it could be a long afternoon for the 'Noles.
If Alabama plays a clean game, this should get out of hand. Here's hoping that's what we get with SEC play cranking up next week.
Picks:
John Mitchell: Alabama 37, Florida State 10
Ron Evans: Alabama 38, Florida State 13
Trevion Ware: Alabama 34, Florida State 13
Jaleel Grandberry: Alabama 38, Florida State 17
Dominic Giacobazzi: Alabama 42, Florida State 17
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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