FSU vs. Alabama named one of the most important nonconference games

Florida State has to take care of business against the SMU Mustangs on Monday, and it's undoubtedly one of, if not their most important games of the season. However, there's no denying that their battle with the Alabama Crimson Tide on Sept. 19 is one of their top games of the year as well.

FSU shocked everyone when they beat Alabama to open the 2025 season at home after a 2-10 outing the previous year. This time around, the Seminoles will have to overcome a hostile environment inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. Revenge will be on Alabama's mind, and Florida State will need to be prepared.

The month of September has a ton of huge nonconference games across the college football landscape, and a plethora will take place this weekend. Per Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports, FSU vs. Alabama is one of the most important ones.

Florida State at No. 11 Alabama, Sept.19

No one is expecting any miracles on the heels of a 7-17 mark over the past two years, especially if Florida State gets handled by SMU in its ACC opener on Sept. 7. But let’s imagine: What would an upset at Bryant-Denny Stadium mean for the Seminoles? It would get the program back on track and develop major momentum heading into the heart of ACC action. That’s easier said than done, though, even if this looks like a crucial year for Kalen DeBoer to show he can keep Alabama in the thick of things for the national title.

The Seminoles are a 15.5-point underdog. So, the expectation is that the Crimson Tide will make up for their defeat last year. A key thing that is working in Florida State's favor is that they have a bye week after they play SMU to give them extra time to prepare.

One thing Florida State can't afford to do is come out flat, because Alabama will certainly feed off their crowd, and that could end up putting them in a hole quickly and put the game out of reach. Even if FSU does play well this should be a difficult game, and it'll be interesting to see if they have a sense of urgency as they try to win in a very tough place to play.

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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU vs. Alabama named one of the most important nonconference games