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Alabama (0-0-0) at Florida State (0-0-0)
- When: Aug 30 2025, 3:30 PM
- Where: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
- Where to watch: ABC
- Last Meeting: Alabama 24-7, September 2nd, 2017
(8) Alabama vs Florida State Preview & Prediction
Spread: Alabama -14.0
Moneyline: Alabama -575
Total: 48.5
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
Kalen DeBoer’s first year in Tuscaloosa delivered both signature wins and head-scratching setbacks. Crushing Georgia and LSU showed Alabama can still flex like the Saban era, but three losses to unranked opponents cost them a spot in the College Football Playoff. That inconsistency is the biggest challenge heading into Year 2.
The Crimson Tide open 2025 ranked No. 8 and for the first time since 2000, they’ll start the season on the road in a nonconference clash, this time against Florida State. Ty Simpson finally gets his opportunity to start at quarterback after waiting three years behind Jalen Milroe. While his game experience is limited, Simpson inherits an offense with veteran linemen, talented receivers, and a defense that brings back eight of its top ten tacklers.
One issue: star running back Bam Miller is sidelined with a collarbone injury, which could put more pressure on Simpson to find rhythm early. Still, Alabama’s talent level and depth are far superior to what Florida State brings to the table.
Florida State Seminoles Betting Preview
Florida State comes into 2025 with a lot to prove after suffering through a dismal 2-10 record last year, their worst in more than five decades. Head coach Mike Norvell made sweeping staff changes, bringing in Gus Malzahn to run the offense and Tony White to oversee the defense.
The Seminoles will also roll out a new quarterback, Tommy Castellanos, who transfers in from Boston College. Castellanos is a dual-threat with explosive running ability, piling up over 1,100 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. Malzahn’s system has always thrived with mobile quarterbacks, so expect FSU to lean heavily on his legs while trying to stabilize an offense that has lacked identity.
The problem is depth and overall talent, Florida State is still rebuilding, and facing Alabama in Week 1 is a brutal test. Even with some offseason energy, the Seminoles are staring at a massive challenge to keep this game competitive.
Prediction and Gambling Angle
Bovada Oddsmakers list Alabama as 14.0-point favorites, with the total set at 48.5. The line reflects the gap in talent, coaching stability, and program trajectory. While Alabama showed inconsistency last year, they rarely drop games to opponents at FSU’s level. Simpson is inexperienced, but he doesn’t need to be spectacular for Alabama to cover if the Tide defense controls the game.
For Florida State, the key will be whether Castellanos can create enough explosive plays to keep the Seminoles within striking distance. That said, this feels like an uphill battle against a seasoned Crimson Tide roster.
Final Score: Alabama 31, Florida State 13
Lean: Alabama -14.0
Total: Under 48.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
