Other than bold words from FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos, optimism for the Noles to upset Alabama Football is limited. Few FSU fans predict an upset. It appears the prevailing opinion of FSU fans is to hope the Noles don't get blown out, with the greatest upside potential being in the game into the fourth quarter.
Grasping for straws, a few FSU media sources argue that Alabama losing Jam Miller to injury greatly boosts FSU's chances. That conclusion only means that few, if any FSU media sources understand the tremendous talent and depth in the Alabama Crimson Tide running back group. Another stretch about improved chances for the Noles is the newly installed turf at Doak Campbell Stadium. The suggestion is Alabama will be so unaccustomed to the new turf that victory will literally slip away from the Crimson Tide.
To counter dim prospects, Florida State faithful will clutch any sign of good news. Few in the broader world of college football agree. In the final preseason ESPN FPI, Florida State slipped to No. 65. Twelve ACC teams are ranked higher. The Noles fare better in Bill Connelly's SP+ at No. 39. For perspective, Connelly's No. 39 ranking for FSU is five spots lower than the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The addition of 23 transfers and some highly rated freshmen who should contribute in the 2025 season will make Mike Norvell's team better. How much better than last season's 2-10 is difficult to project. For SI.com, Bryan Fischer predicted the records of every Power Four team. FSU fans are dismayed that Fischer's pick for the Noles is a 6-6 regular season record. That result would tie FSU with the eighth-best record among ACC teams. Fischer has Alabama at 10-2, tied for No. 3 with LSU among SEC teams.
Alabama Football vs. Florida State Predictions
A small number of Crimson Tide fans worry that a hostile Doak-Campbell crowd, with a new, mostly untested quarterback starter, will mean a difficult challenge for Alabama. Even those worry-warts don't see the Seminoles pulling off an upset.
Given the suspect defensive front for FSU, a more realistic prediction is that Alabama will not only win and over, but possible by three touchdowns.