Revenge will be at stake Saturday when No. 10 Alabama hosts Florida State in a nonconference blockbuster at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Seminoles stunned the No. 8 Crimson Tide 31-17 in last year's season opener at FSU, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch on Bama's home field. Seminoles coach Mike Norvell's tenure could use another jolt of life like the one momentarily provided by last season's win over Alabama.
On the flip side, the Crimson Tide can't afford another loss to FSU before entering the teeth of the SEC's first-ever 9-game conference schedule. A year ago, Alabama recovered from the stunning opening defeat by reaching the SEC Championship Game and College Football Playoff. Florida State went the opposite direction, failing to capitalize on the early momentum and finishing 5-7.
This time around, we know more about both teams going into the meeting. The Crimson Tide enter off a 45-17 win at Kentucky that was equal parts ugly and spectacular. On the opposite side, the Seminoles are coming off a bye week that followed a gutting 27-24 loss to SMU in Week 1.
Keelon Russell's development: The Alabama sophomore quarterback recovered nicely from a nightmare beginning to Alabama's 45-17 Week 2 win at Kentucky. Making his first career road start, Russell committed three turnovers in the first half before settling in and helping the Crimson Tide cruise to a convincing win. The performance underscored just how green Russell remains.
Once he settled down and started taking care of the football, Alabama's defense carried the day and the Crimson Tide's rushing attack started to hum. There will come a time when Alabama needs Russell to be a hero. But that portion of the schedule has not arrived.
Taking care of the football, mitigating Bama's pre-snap penalties and making the easy plays should be among his top goals against Florida State. Mike Norvell noise: Now in his seventh year, Florida State coach Mike Norvell is just 39-35 (22-27 ACC) and trying to avoid a third straight losing season. The Seminoles looked unimpressive in a Week 0 victory over New Mexico State before dropping their ACC opener at home to SMU.
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