Inside the game: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Florida State
In two days No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Florida State will square off in the highest-ranked opener in college football history. Here is everything you need to know about the must-see matchup:
The box
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Florida State
When: Saturday, 7 p.m. CT
TV: ABC
On the call: Chris Fowler | Analyst: Kirk Herbstreit
Radio: Sirius: Channel 80 | XM: Channel 80
Line: -7 Alabama, O/U set at 49
How well will Hurts perform?
A new and improved offense starts with a new and improved quarterback. That’s what Alabama believes it has in Jalen Hurts as he heads into his second season. The reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year appeared to make strides in his downfield passing this preseason, putting together a solid performance during Alabama’s A-Day game.
Earlier this week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban credited first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll for his work with the quarterbacks and said he has noticed an improvement in both accuracy and decision making in the passing game. Hurts said he has matured under Daboll and that he expects to improve on a freshman season that saw him throw for 2,780 yards and 23 touchdowns with nine interceptions.
“You can tell he’s got presence about him, commanding the offense,” Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams said. “I wouldn’t say much has changed. He’s the type of guy that’s going to make plays, whether that’s with his feet or throwing the ball, so we’re always kind of prepared for whatever may happen. But he’s done a good job.”
Diggs first big test at cornerback
Hurts won’t be the only Alabama sophomore tested Saturday night. The opener will also mark Trevon Diggs first start at cornerback.
Diggs, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, made the switch from wide receiver to cornerback this spring. Despite going through early growing pains, the sophomore has shown improvement over the fall, locking up a starting spot on the left side opposite to Anthony Averett.
Like Averett last year, Diggs will most likely be picked on early in the season as teams view him as the weakest link in a stacked secondary. While Saban is confident the athletic sophomore is up to the challenge, Diggs will be given somewhat of a short leash for mistakes Saturday night. Former walk-on Levi Wallace has also seen time with the first team during practice and will provide insurance off the sidelines if Diggs falters.
“I think Trevon has worked really, really hard to improve, pay attention to detail, improve his techniques, improve his understanding of the defense,” Saban said. “I think this is one of those situations where we have confidence in a player but until a player goes out there and gets confidence himself in terms of what he does, that's what I'm talking about. Is he well prepared? Is he going to go out there and be able to execute in the game, stay focused, look at the right things, key the right things, have the right eye control, put himself in the right position?”
Will the kicking game haunt Alabama?
Alabama fans are usually confident every time punter JK Scott steps onto the field. After all, the senior is one of the best in the nation at his position, averaging 47.19 yards per punt last season. However, depending on the situation, Scott’s appearance on the field Saturday might bring about some nerves to the Crimson Tide faithful.
Scott is one of three potential kickers Alabama could line up for field goals during the opener. According to the depth chart provided by the team on Monday, the senior sits behind walk-on Andy Pappanastos and true freshman Joseph Bulovas. Although, last week Saban talked about the possibility of using Scott as a long-range kicker while letting the other two kickers focus on shorter kicks.
“We haven’t really decided which direction that we’ll go at this point,” Saban said last week. “JK is in the mix to do field goals and kickoffs. There’s competition with the other guys to see who the most consistent guy is to do the regular field-goal kicking.”
Scott made three of his four field goal attempts during A-Day, connecting from 37 yards, 20 yards and 30 yards out while missing from 45 yards out. His 30-yard field goal came on the final play of the game to secure a 27-24 win for the Crimson team.
Pappanastos wasn’t as fortunate on the afternoon, missing both his attempts from 31 yards and 38 yards respectively. Bulovas enrolled at Alabama over the summer as the No. 1 kicker in the 2017 class but was reportedly inconsistent at times during preseason camp.
How they stack up
Note: Turn your smartphone or tablet horizontal for the best viewing experience
| Category | Alabama | Florida State | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Head coach |
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is a perfect 10-0 in season openers during his time with Alabama. He is also 10-0 against former assistants, beating them by an average margin of 29.9 points per game. Unfortunately for Florida State, it falls into both of those categories as head coach Jimbo Fisher served as Saban’s offensive coordinator at LSU from 2000-04. It also doesn’t help the Seminoles that Alabama is coming off of a loss in the national championship game. The Crimson Tide has only lost back-to-back games twice under Saban (Florida and Utah in the 2008 season; Auburn and Oklahoma in the 2013 season). Expect Saban to have his players locked in come kickoff. |
If anyone can snap Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s string of wins against former assistants it’s Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher. Heading into his eighth year in charge of the Seminoles, Fisher boasts an impressive 78-17 record. He has led Florida State to 10-win seasons the past five years, including a perfect 14-0 record and a national championship in 2013. A skilled play-caller, Fisher will have to find a way to neutralize an Alabama team that appears stacked at every position. During the ACC head coaches teleconference on Wednesday Fisher said he was “philosophically similar” to Saban. Saturday, he will need to be one step ahead of his former boss. |
BAMA |
|
QB |
Saturday’s game will serve as the first true benchmark concerning Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts’ improvement as a passer. Despite earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors last season, Hurts struggled to maintain a rhythm in the passing game at times, something that proved costly late in the season. He will need to show more confidence and maturity in the pocket against a Florida State team that boasts one of the nation’s top secondaries. |
Like Hurts, Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois had a breakout freshman campaign last season. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound quarterback completed 59 percent of passes for 3,350 yards and 20 touchdowns with seven interceptions. While he doesn’t run as much as Hurts, Francois is shifty enough to escape from pass-rushers and tallied 196 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Playing behind an offensive line that allowed 2.77 sacks per game last season, the redshirt sophomore will most likely have to use his feet a lot Saturday night. |
BAMA |
|
RB |
No team in the nation has as much depth as Alabama at the running back position. While sophomore Josh Jacobs is still questionable with a hamstring injury, the Crimson Tide still boast four other backs that would all start for most teams across the nation. Alabama’s three returning starters — Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough and Jacobs — combined for 2,416 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground last season. The Tide also offers two talented freshmen in Najee Harris and Brian Robinson. |
Florida State will be missing its leading rusher from the past three season in Dalvin Cook. However, the Seminoles bring back a solid group of running backs nonetheless. Florida State’s leading returner is junior Jacques Patrick, who rushed for 350 yards and four touchdowns on 61 carries last season. The Seminoles also feature one of the nation’s top freshmen in Cam Akers. Rated as the No. 2 running back in the 2017 class behind Alabama’s Najee Harris, Akers was once an Alabama commit before switching eventually signing with Florida State. |
BAMA |
|
WR |
Alabama will be without three of its top four receivers from last season. However, the Tide still returns plenty of talent at the position. Leading the way is junior Calvin Ridley, who tallied 769 yards and seven touchdowns on a team-high 72 receptions last season. Alabama will need Cam Sims and Robert Foster to have breakout senior seasons, while it might also rely on a trio of freshmen in Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs. |
Florida State loses its top two receivers from last year in Travis Randolph and running back Dalvin Cook. This season the Seminoles will be looking for juniors Auden Tate and Nyqwan Murray to the void. Murray, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, is Florida State’s leading returner after recording 441 yards and five touchdowns on 27 receptions. Tate, 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, tallied 409 yards and six touchdowns on 25 receptions |
BAMA |
|
OL |
Barring an uncertainty at the right tackle position, Alabama’s offensive line is pretty set. Freshman All-American Jonah Williams will make the switch from right to left tackle and will anchor a line that also includes Ross Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman and Lester Cotton. The Tide will plug in either redshirt sophomore Matt Womack or true freshman Jedrick Wills in the final starting spot. Womack has seen most of the reps at right tackle with the first unit during practice, although both players were listed as co-starters on Alabama’s depth chart. |
This is easily Florida State’s biggest weakness heading into the matchup.The Seminoles allowed 36 sacks last year, tied for No. 108 in the nation in protecting the quarterback. This season, the five starting linemen on Florida State’s depth chart combined for just 41 career starts. Center Alec Eberle leads the bunch with 19 followed by left guard Landon Dickerson (7), right tackle Rick Leonard (6), left tackle Derrick Kelly (6) and right guard Cole Minshew (3). |
BAMA |
|
DL |
It will be hard for Alabama to replace the production it received from Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson last season. However, the Tide still have the pieces in place to put together a stout defensive line. Da’Ron Payne is the only returning starter and will hold down the nose guard position in the Tide’s 3-4 front. Senior Da’Shawn Hand will get his first career start at defensive end, while either Raekwon Davis or Joshua Frazier will start on the opposite side. Davis was shot in the leg Sunday and is listed as “day-to-day” by Alabama head coach Nick Saban. |
Despite losing its sacks leader in DeMarcus Walker, Florida State returns an equally talented defensive front. Defense end Brian Burns led all freshmen with 9.5 sacks last season. Demarcus Christmas will man the other end position, while Derrick Nnadi will serve as the nose guard. Last season Florida State finished second in the nation behind Alabama with 51 sacks. "I think, honestly, we probably have a better defensive line than they have," Florida State offensive lineman Landon Dickerson told reporters, via Jacksonville.com earlier this month. "I'm competing against them every day for the next month. I'm not terribly concerned about Alabama.” |
EVEN |
|
LB |
Alabama was hit hard at linebacker, losing starters Reuben Foster, Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams to the NFL. Seniors Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton will look to provide leadership in the middle, while Christian Miller, Anfernee Jennings and Terrell Lewis provide plenty of pass-rushing ability on the outside. Jennings, 6-foot-3, 262 pounds, will likely play on first and second downs, while Lewis, 6-foot-5, 254 pounds, should serve as more of a pass-rushing specialist. Evans is also someone who can switch to the outside during passing downs. |
Florida State was provided with good news Wednesday as linebacker Matthew Thomas was declared eligible to play in the opener. The senior missed the past three weeks of practice due to an eligibility issue but in now expected to play against Alabama Saturday night. Thomas led the Seminole with 77 tackles while tallying 11 for a loss last season. He is listed as the starter at the Will linebacker position on Florida State’s depth chart. Ro’Derrick Hoskins will take the other inside spot, while talented pass rushers Josh Sweat and Jacob Pugh handle the outside roles. |
BAMA |
|
DB |
Alabama’s secondary should be the strongest part of its defense this season. Despite losing starter Marlon Humphrey to the NFL, the Tide returns a lockdown corner in Anthony Averett along with two of the nation’s best safeties in Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison. Converted receiver Trevon Diggs is slotted to play opposite of Averett, while Tony Brown is listed as the starter at Star. While Fitzpatrick is listed as a safety, he will most likely play at multiple positions during the opener. This preseason he has lined up at cornerback, safety, Star and Money. |
As good as Alabama’s secondary is, Florida State might have a slight edge here. The Seminoles feature two of the top defensive backs in the nation in cornerback Tavarus McFadden and safety Derwin James. McFadden finished tied for No. 1 in the nation with eight interceptions last season. James suffered a lateral meniscus tear in Week 2 last year but put together a stellar freshman season recording 91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 2015. Florida State will be without safety Trey Marshall for the first half after the senior being penalized for targeting in the second half of the Orange Bowl. |
FSU |
|
ST |
Alabama’s biggest weakness heading into the matchup is in the kicking game. The Tide has yet to circle in on a replacement for kicker Adam Griffith, listing freshman Joseph Bulovas and walk-on Andy Pappanastos as co-starters on the depth chart. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said punter JK Scott could also be used for longer attempts. Scott will also handle punting duties, as he returns as one of the top punters in the nation after averaging 47.19 yards per punt last season. Alabama also has plenty of dangerous options in the return game in cornerback Trevon Diggs and receivers Xavian Marks and Henry Ruggs. |
Florida State has far more stability in the kicking game as the Seminoles return Ricky Aguayo. During his freshman season last year, Aguayo connected on 19 of 26 field goal attempts (73.1 percent). Logan Tyler will handle the punting duties after averaging 40.31 yards per punt as a freshman last year. The Seminoles will also feature dynamic returners in defensive backs Tavarus McFadden and Derwin James as well as receiver Keith Gavin. |
FSU |
Interesting stats heading in
Dome sweet dome
Alabama is 24-7 (.758) all-time in domed stadiums, including a 15-2 (.882) mark since 2009 and is 16-4 (.800) in Nick Saban’s tenure. The Tide was 3-0 indoors in 2016. Under Nick Saban, Alabama has played in seven season opening games in a domed stadium, the Crimson Tide is a perfect 7-0.
Opening day success
Alabama has been dominating in season openers under Head Coach Nick Saban. The Tide is a perfect 10-0 under Saban and has won in impressive fashion. Alabama has outscored opponents 411-120 in those games and averaged 41.1 points per game in opening contests and allowed just 12.0. Alabama also averages 444.3-yards per game in openers under Saban and has allowed an average of just 196.3-yards per game.
When ranked No. 1
Since the ninth game of the 2008 season (116-games), Alabama has played in 50-games while being ranked No. 1, posting a record of 44-6 (.880) during that span. Against Top 25 teams, Alabama is 48-13 including a 25-7 mark against Top 10 teams since the start of the 2008 season.
Returning defense for Alabama
The 2017 season Alabama defense includes six starters from a season ago. Those six return a combined career 462-total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 16 interceptions to this year’s team. Of those starters, for come from the Tide secondary, including Minkah Fitzpatrick, who recorded 66 tackles and six interceptions during the 2016 season. Fitzpatrick holds the school record for career interception returns for touchdowns with four. Ronnie Harrison leads all returners with 85 tackles from a season ago.
Offensive notes
- Alabama is 91-5 (.948) since the start of the 2008 season when rushing for at least 140-yards.
- The Crimson Tide offense has scored in 213 consecutive games, the longest streak in program history.
- Receiver Calvin Ridley is currently fourth all-time at Alabama in most career receptions with 161. The leader is Amari Cooper who caught for 228 receptions from 2012-2014.
- Alabama’s running backs on the roster ran for a combined 2,494-yards with 17 touchdowns. Damien Harris led the team in rushing last year rushing for 1,037-yards, Quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose yards are not including ran for 954-yards with 13 touchdowns last season.
Nick Saban vs. former assistants
Nick Saban is 10-0 all-time against his former staffers during his tenure at Alabama. Florida State Jimbo Fisher was Saban’s offensive coordinator at LSU from 2002-2006.
— From Alabama Athletics
Note: Turn your smartphone or tablet horizontal for the best viewing experience
| Category | Alabama | Florida State |
|---|---|---|
|
Head coach |
Nick Saban — 11th season at Alabama - 119-19 (.862) |
Jimbo Fisher — 8th season at Florida State - 78-17 (.821) |
|
Last season |
14-1 — Lost to Clemson 35-31 in the National Championship |
10-3 — Beat Michigan 33-32 in the Orange Bowl |
|
Returning leading passer |
Jalen Hurts: 240/382 for 2,780 yards, 23 TDs, 9 ints, 185.3 ypg. |
Deondre Francois: 235/400 for 3,350 yards, 20 TDs, 7 ints, 257.7 ypg |
|
Returning leading rusher |
Damien Harris: 146 car., 1,037 yards, 2 TDs, 69.1 ypg |
Jacques Patrick: 61 car., 350 yards, 4 TDs, 26.9 ypg |
|
Returning leading receiver |
Calvin Ridley: 72 rec., 769 yards, 7 TDs, 51.3 ypg |
Nyqwan Murry: 27 rec., 441 yards, 5 TDs, 33.9 ypg |
|
Returning leading tackler |
Ronnie Harrison: 86 tackles, 2 ints, 2 FR |
Matthew Thomas: 77 tackles, 11 TFL, 1 FF |
|
9/9/2007 |
Alabama 14 |
Florida State 21 *FSU vacated game |
|
10/12/1974 |
Alabama 8 |
Florida State 7 |
|
9/23/1967 |
Alabama 37 |
Florida State 37 |
|
10/23/1965 |
Alabama 21 |
Florida State 0 |
They said it
Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick comparing Nick Saban to Jimbo Fisher
Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton returning from injury
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts on his confidence heading into the opener
Predictions
Alabama 31, Florida State 20
Atlanta has been very kind to Alabama in recent years, and while the Crimson Tide will be in a different venue it will drive back home down I-20 with the same familiar result. Look for Alabama’s running game to set the tone early and allow Jalen Hurts to hit the Seminoles for a couple big plays. — Tony Tsoukalas
Alabama 35, Florida State 17
Long sustaining drives combined with turnovers put a lot of points on the board for Alabama. The Crimson Tide running game hasn't been talked about all week, they'll headline all publications on Sunday. — Kyle Henderson
Alabama 34, Florida State 24
This game will feature several explosive plays throughout the night. The stars will shine, and it will feel like a heavyweight bout. Alabama will pull away in the end with a dominant ground game and a suffocating defensive front. — Andrew Bone
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More Coverage from this week
Wednesday, August 30
Five questions heading into Alabama vs. Florida State
Tuesday, August 29
Why the key to FSU is keeping Deondre Francois on the ground
Podcast: Saban and Fisher talk week 1 matchup
Family, Florida State on Jalen Hurts' mind heading into opener
Tuesday Scoop, intel from Tuscaloosa
Video: Nick Saban vs. Jimbo Fisher
Monday, August 28
Video: Practice Highlights from Monday
Video: Saban Press Conference/Player
Video: Jimbo Fisher's Monday Press Conference
Video: Jalen Hurts Interview
Video: Bradley Bozeman Interview
Video: Minkah Fitzpatrick Interview
Video: Shaun Dion Hamilton Interview
The 3-2-1- It’s Florida State Week for No.1 Alabama
Sunday, August 27
Tony's Take: Alabama vs. FSU a matchup of two heavyweights
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