Alabama Crimson Tide’s season opener against Florida State might be the most revealing test of Kalen DeBoer’s tenure so far. After a mixed 2024 season, where they ended with a 9-3 record, Alabama is looking to prove they can dominate on the road. Meanwhile, Florida State hopes to rebound after a disastrous 2-10 season.
Though the stats suggest Alabama has the edge on August 30 at Doak Campbell Stadium, insiders have warned DeBoer that this game could determine Alabama’s true ceiling in 2025.
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As the 2025 season approaches, everyone’s attention is focused on DeBoer and his Alabama team. Many wonder if DeBoer’s system can handle the pressure. Some even predict Alabama might struggle against Florida State, a team that fell heavily in last season’s record books.
College football insider Jake Crain from “Crain & Co.” is already circling one early game on the calendar. He’s focused on Alabama’s road matchup against Florida State.
Crain questioned if FSU’s new quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, and an overhauled coaching staff could bring quick results. “These guys aren’t going to wait,” he warned, adding that Alabama also has a lot to prove.
He added, “Can they fix a quarterback problem after Jaylen Milroe?.. I know this game only comes in at 10, but both these teams have to have it, and both these fan bases feel like they have to have this first week.”
Jake Crain sees this as an early test for Alabama, giving them much-needed competition. “Say what you want about Florida State, they got some talented athletes running around,” he admitted, though he still believes Alabama has the superior roster.
He explained, “Alabama should win the game but it’s a game where, if you go win at Florida State, you don’t feel bad after it. You didn’t just go murder East Texas A&M State for the blind and deaf or whatever. Like, this is FSU.”
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Alabama’s past against Florida State favors the Crimson Tide. They’ve won three of five meetings, including a 24-7 victory in 2017. But DeBoer’s team must prove that they can perform better on the road than last season. They can choke at any moment since they even lost to unranked Vanderbilt and Oklahoma despite being heavy favorites.
Meanwhile, Florida State’s head coach, Mike Norvell, is eager to turn things around after their worst season in decades. Pressure is high for both teams, so it’s important not to overlook the challenge on paper.
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