Redemption is within reach as the Crimson Tide seeks to avenge last year’s upset by rattling Ashton Daniels and stabilizing Keelon Russell’s arm in a high-stakes rematch.
It may be a different location, but the ghost of the Florida State Seminoles still sends shivers up people’s spines.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have a chance to right the wrongs of last season’s mishaps against Florida State, where the Seminoles upset the Tide 31-17 on opening week.
However, with a new team, a new quarterback, and a new mindset, Alabama is approaching this game not forgetting how it felt last season.
"In our minds, this is the 2026 team," head coach Kalen DeBoer said this week. "I just talked to the team about that this morning. I know there are a lot of guys, including our staff, that certainly know what it felt like last year walking off that football field.
This will be a chance to do right by last season’s team. But first, there are three things that need to happen in order for it to ring true.
Make Daniels Uncomfortable
This is something that I anticipate. But nonetheless, it’s something that should still be addressed.
Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels has had a rough go thus far, but he’s been even worse in the pocket. If the Tide can continue applying pressure, Florida State could have a difficult time generating consistent offense.
With the consistent pressure from Yhonzae Pierre, Caleb Woodson and Devan Thompkins, Daniels is going to feel the heat throughout the game.
This Seminole offense is pretty predictable for the time being. Daniels has thrown the ball sparingly with the majority of his offense being scramble runs.
One thing’s for sure, is that Alabama’s defense has been a force to be reckoned with, especially the pass rush. If the Tide can continue applying pressure, don’t expect Florida State to make noise on the scoreboard.
Russell Needs More Poise
Quarterback Keelon Russell is understandably a little shaky in his first few games as a starter.
However, after this week’s game, it’s only going to get tougher. Following Week 3, Alabama will take on South Carolina, Mississippi State, and then go into the gauntlet that features Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and LSU.
So this game holds a lot of weight for Russell. But luckily as we’ve seen in his first two games, the more Russell does this, the more comfortable he gets.
He looked rough in the first half against Kentucky, throwing two interceptions (including a pick-six) and took a strip sack. Then finished out the game strong, with the Crimson Tide scoring 32 unanswered points.
Regardless, the quicker he shakes off those early game jitters, the easier the game will come to him.
Coleman-Williams Needs A Big Game
Ryan Coleman-Williams isn’t necessarily the “straw that stirs the drink,” but he’s one of, if not the most electric player on Alabama’s roster.
But the biggest problem to Coleman-Williams’ game is the concept that’s so important in being a wide receiver.
His hands. He’s a notorious dropper.
We mentioned here prior to the season’s start that Coleman-Williams was planning on entering the season gloveless, and catching balls barehanded.
In his first game, he caught five out of 10 passes for 130 yards, but he still had plenty of issues catching the ball, limiting the impact of one of Alabama's most explosive weapons..
The following week, he only caught four passes for 43 yards.
Now it appears the gloves are back on, after a recent practice video surfaced with him wearing gloves.
To say that Coleman-Williams doesn’t look comfortable catching the ball would be an understatement. It appears that he’s more comfortable using his body to assist him catching, but that limits his game in a major way.
A big game this week after a mild turnout will pay off massive dividends, not just to his confidence but to the team as a whole. Alabama feels invigorated when Coleman-Williams does well. Now, it’s up to him to be that change.
