Florida State Football Rebounds with Win Over Alabama

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State University‘s football team celebrated a significant victory on Saturday, defeating Alabama in a decisive 31-17 win. Coach Mike Norvell watched from a platform near the end zone, hoping to spot his family amid the jubilant crowd that flooded the field.

The win marked a turning point for the Seminoles, who had faced a difficult season last year, finishing with a 2-10 record and being left out of the playoff picture. This year, however, the No. 8 Seminoles have surged to a 3-0 record, already surpassing their win total from last year.

Quarterback Tommy Castellanos, who played a vital role in the win, fought through the excited crowd, high-fiving fans as he made his way to the locker room. “It was exciting and joyful,” Norvell said about the atmosphere. “It was a beautiful scene.”

Nearly one year earlier, the Seminoles walked off the field with grim faces after a 28-13 loss to Boston College, a defeat that had left them in a significant rut. This year’s transformative journey began with a series of offseason changes, including roster revamps and a new coaching staff.

To instill a winning mentality, Norvell introduced competition during pre-season workouts, utilizing a tug-of-war competition to foster leadership and chemistry among players. “I want a team that’s going to fight to win,” Norvell said. “That’s where we created a lot of opportunities.”

Amid the competitive environment, players began to bond and take ownership of their performance, resulting in extra practice sessions and a growing sense of confidence. Castellanos emphasized the importance of this winning mentality, saying, “They know last year was a disappointment, and that’s not the standard.”

As the team prepares for their first ACC game against Virginia on Friday, they carry the momentum from their recent victory. The game also serves as a reminder of the challenges they face; freshman linebacker Davin Pritchard is currently recovering from a shooting incident described as a case of mistaken identity. Pritchard’s hospitalization has unified the team, who are dedicated to playing for their injured teammate.

“He’s fighting, and we are going to continue supporting him,” Norvell said, showcasing the solidarity that has grown among players. With the final goal of reaching the ACC Championship, the focus shifts to improving and adapting to opponents’ strategies.

“We haven’t arrived and we’re still a work in progress,” said new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. “We have a chance to be good, but we have to get the little things down.”

As the season unfolds, Florida State is proving that they are ready to take on the challenges ahead and create a new narrative for their football program.