Instant reactions to Alabama's comeback win vs. Florida State
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On Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide played their second nonconference game of the 2026 season in Tuscaloosa, welcoming the Florida State Seminoles to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
A game that was delayed twice due to weather, the Crimson Tide were ultimately tested by the unranked Seminoles in a major way Saturday night. However, it was Alabama who eventually came away with the win, avoiding the upset with a 50-36 victory over the Seminoles in an impressive offensive showing.
Having to erase a sizable lead early to do so, let's take a look at a few instant reactions to Alabama's comeback win vs. Florida State on Saturday afternoon.
Keelon Russell has best performance of young career
When the Crimson Tide needed him most, quarterback Keelon Russell stepped up Saturday night in a big way with the best performance of his young Alabama career. Russell, who lead an Alabama offense which posted 569 total yards, ended up finishing 23-of-30 passing for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 56 yards and a score on three attempts.
Alabama turns tide with huge second quarter
Following the game's second weather delay late in the second quarter, Alabama came out of the locker room as a completely different team, a two-to-three minute span of game time that was the true turning point in the contest before halftime. The Crimson Tide snatched all the momentum from Florida State with a 23-7 edge in the second quarter, carrying their first lead of the game into halftime.
Florida State torches Alabama pass defense
A unit that has been outstanding all season, Alabama's defense struggled mightily against Ashton Daniels and the Seminoles' passing game Saturday. Despite three interceptions, the Crimson Tide allowed 471 yards of offense, 377 of which came through the air.
Alabama has mixed results on third down
Third down was a major storyline for Alabama on both sides of the ball, producing mixed results both offensively and defensively. The Crimson Tide offense finished the game going 4-for-11 on third downs, while the Alabama defense struggled against Florida State, allowing the Seminoles to go 8-for-14.
Conor Talty perfect once again
Alabama kicker Conor Talty was once again huge for the Crimson Tide on Saturday night, especially early on in the first half. Talty was perfect yet again by making all three of his field goal attempts, and continues to emerge as one of the top kickers in the SEC this season.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Instant reactions to Alabama's comeback win vs. Florida State
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