The weather in Tallahassee has been a major storyline in the lead-up to Alabama's season opener against Florida State this afternoon. Rain and storms have been expected throughout the game for a couple of weeks now, leading to plenty of Crimson Tide fans being concerned.
Alabama is the better team in this matchup, a fact even most FSU fans have accepted. But playing with a wet football on slippery field conditions can be the ultimate equalizer. It's also less than ideal circumstances for a quarterback to be making his first start.
Ty Simpson was already going to have a difficult challenge, starting for the first time and on the road in a hostile environment. He doesn't need anything else to worry about.
While the weather is still expected to be somewhat of a factor, Alabama's premier weatherman is reporting that it might not be as big of a deal as originally thought.
James Spann provided Alabama fans with an update on his Twitter account on Saturday morning:
FOOTBALL WEATHER: Alabama plays Florida State in Tallahassee (2:30p CT kickoff)... the weather will be warm and humid with temperatures in the low to mid 80s. A passing shower or storm is very possible, if not likely during the game, but it won’t rain all afternoon, and the sun…
— James Spann (@spann) August 30, 2025
James Spann's weather update is good news for Alabama football
That certainly sounds like football weather. The good news with the rain in the forecast is that it won't be as hot as originally expected in Tallahassee for the last weekend of August.
There's still likely to be some rain - and potentially a lightning delay - but it's good news that some clear skies might come out during the game at times. It is Florida weather, however, so it's almost impossible to predict. The old saying goes - if you don't like the weather, just wait 10 minutes.
Many have assumed the inclement weather might favor the home team. Florida State will certainly want to "muddy" the game up, and with Gus Malzahn calling plays and a running QB in Tommy Castellanos, the Seminoles would prefer to keep the ball on the ground anyway.
For Alabama, the Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb offense is predicated on pushing the ball down the field vertically. One of the Tide's biggest offensive question marks is being able to be consistent running the football.
On a wet field, running the football will be paramount to finding offensive success. If Alabama can get some clear skies, Simpson will hopefully be able to take advantage and get the football in the hands of his talented wide receivers.