Alabama vs Florida State 2026: Q&A with Tomahawk Nation

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Tim Scribble from Tomahawk Nation has joined us for another year to talk about Florida State and Mike Norvell, and despite being a fan of those gaudy colors, he’s given us some excellent answers in the past. Let’s just say that he, and the rest of the Seminole faithful, are not very happy with the state of their team right now. Enjoy, and you can find Tim on Twitter @TimScribble.

Are things as terrible in Tallahassee as the media is making it out to be? Reading the headlines, you’d think the Seminoles are an absolute dumpster fire, but a 3 point loss to SMU, the #16 team in the country and the ACC champion last year, doesn’t seem like something to be all that ashamed of. What are your thoughts there? The media unfairly burying the squad, or is it really just some terrible football happening?

No, things are not as terrible in Tallahassee as the media is portraying… they’re much worse. On the field, there are players that are impressive wins for Florida State, but the high school recruiting is spiraling, the rest of the football world has figured out the transfer portal, and the majority of the coaching staff cannot develop.

Off the field, it may be worse. FSU leadership made the right call in firing Athletic Director Michael Alford, who couldn’t figure out how to play the NIL game (or refused). There’s bad hires everywhere and Mike Norvell is a defeated man who looks to have lost all confidence. FSU is much closer to the team that was sluggish against New Mexico State than the team that almost upset SMU. The Mustangs’ turnovers made that much closer than the score showed.

We’re familiar with Ashton Daniels after the Iron Bowl last year. How are you guys feeling about him? Is he going to be the guy this whole season, or do you think his hold on the starting job is tenuous? 

I don’t believe Daniels is overly talented but also believe Norvell handcuffs what strengths he does possess. A long strider that I think would benefit from simple rollouts that give him a run option. His accuracy is not great, so you need to make it simple. Norvell is predictable, usually running on the first two downs, which usually leads to obvious passing downs which puts Daniels in a tough spot.

Malachi Marshall might see the field post Alabama. He needs to add some pounds, but is probably the most talented quarterback in the room.

Ousmane Kromah impressed me a year ago, and I remember you talking about him going into week 1 last year. He’s averaging over 6 yards per carry this season as the lead back. Is he the key to making this offense work?

The running back room is probably the best position group on the team. Kromah, Sam Singelton, and Tre Wisner might be best in the ACC. The offensive line has some struggles but may have figured it out with a change at right tackle. This trio, especially Kromah, can control a game if Norvell does not make the playcalling predictable. Zero early down play actions or moving pockets and the defensive box can key in on the backs and shut down this offense.

Let’s talk defense: If someone is going to make a game-turning playing against Alabama this weekend, who will it be? 

Maybe one of the linebackers. Transfer Chris Jones is a stat stuffer and Caleb Lavallee is finally healthy and showing flashes. Mikai Gbayor as well. The defensive line is unimpressive to date. Quindarrius Jones is a potential name to know in the secondary.

I feel like the Mike Norvell experience has been a roller coaster for FSU. There’s been some really high highs and some very low lows. Even last season, the Noles looked great to start the year before faltering as the season progressed. It’s year 6, what’s your feelings on him as the head man? And what’s the temperature of the whole fanbase?

The majority, if not all of the fanbase want him gone. The “snub” zapped his swagger and confidence. The team is lifeless and I am not sure the players respect him. I cannot see him surviving the season.

This likely dovetails from the last question: What would it take four you to consider 2026 a successful season that you go into spring happy with?

Well, a fever dream perfect season would be somehow making the playoffs and some team mistaking Norvell for being the future and hiring him away, saving FSU millions. Realistically, if they make a bowl, that will be considered a success and still get Norvell fired.

What’s the area/position/matchup that you are the most worried that Alabama can exploit, and what is the one you think FSU can best exploit against Bama?

I think Alabama will be able to do whatever it wants on offense. The FSU defense has no pass rush without bringing extra numbers which puts the secondary in the bind, especially with how defensive coordinator Tony White positions them.

FSU may find success running the ball, but only if the offense uses Daniels to stretch the defense.

Who wins the ACC this year? 

Miami may just finally pull it off, but give me Louisville

What’s your game prediction?

Alabama probably scores in the 40s and FSU pulls off three field goals and a touchdown.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos