Alabama Crushes Florida State 50-36 Despite Slow Start
Kalen DeBoer admits Alabama needs sharper starts after a wild 50-36 win over Florida State.
Key points
- Alabama defeated Florida State 50-36 to reach a 3-0 record in the 2026 season.
- Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 23 of 30 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
- Coach Kalen DeBoer identified slow starts as the primary area for improvement.
Rain slicked the grass at Bryant-Denny Stadium as the Alabama Crimson Tide fought through a gritty opening. Trailing by double digits against Florida State, the team absorbed the early pressure until a weather delay broke the tension. That pause reset the rhythm. The Tide surged back, scoring with precision and force to close the game 50-36. It was their third win of the 2026 season, a chaotic but decisive statement.
Kalen DeBoer did not shy away from the rough beginning. Speaking after the final whistle, he identified the slow starts as the critical flaw to fix. The coach noted that the team has found itself behind in two consecutive games, a pattern that demands immediate correction. He emphasized the need to come out of the gates with more intensity, ensuring the team sets the tone rather than reacting to it.
Russell silences early doubts
Keelon Russell anchored the offense with a performance that settled any lingering questions about his status. The starting quarterback completed 23 of his 30 passes, moving the ball for 320 yards. He struck three times in the end zone, showcasing the poise and accuracy the staff sought. His connection with the receivers turned a potential loss into a dominant victory, validating DeBoer’s decision to hand him the reins this year.
Momentum shifts after delay
The weather interruption served as a tactical reset. While the Seminoles built an early lead, the delay allowed Alabama to regroup and refocus. The team emerged with a different energy, dominating the second half of the contest. This resilience mirrors their previous outing against Kentucky, where they also overcame a deficit to secure a blowout win. The ability to battle back from adversity is becoming a defining trait of this squad.
Focus turns to South Carolina
The Crimson Tide now turn their attention to the next challenge. Alabama hosts South Carolina on Saturday evening, with kickoff set for 7:00 pm ET. The team aims to apply the lessons learned from the Florida State matchup, particularly in the opening minutes. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the program seeks to maintain its undefeated record while sharpening its early-game execution. The stakes rise as the season progresses, demanding consistent starts from the very first snap.
