Key matchups to watch in Alabama vs. Florida State game

Kane Wommack - Photo By Brian Pride

Alabama football is set to kick off the season against Florida State on the road Saturday in Tallahassee, Florida.

This matchup has a lot of intrigue surrounding it for a variety of reasons. The Seminoles have gone through a lot of turnover since the end of the 2024 season, while the Crimson Tide have been the perfect representation of continuity by not losing any players to the transfer portal since the spring. But Alabama is dealing with injuries at multiple positions.

All of these factors will play a role in the outcome of this one and so will some key matchups. Here is a look at some of the most intriguing ones to keep an eye on:

Kane Wommack vs. Gus Malzahn

These two will not be suiting up Saturday, but the chest match between them will be one to watch. Malzahn is known as a veteran offensive coordinator, who Alabama players have described as a coach who always seems to have ‘tricks’ up his sleeve. Malzahn has designed effective offenses during his career as an offensive coordinator. Having a mobile quarterback like Thomas Castellanos, gives Malzahn an opportunity to be creative on Saturday against the Tide’s defense, who is preparing to go up against a lot of new faces. Wommack is tasked with orchestrating a defense with some very high expectations with talent and what he describes as trusted depth at all three levels. Can Wommack stop Malzahn’s offense in its tracks or will Malzahn have some success against the Tide once again?

Thomas Castellanos vs. Alabama’s Front 7

Castellanos is a quarterback Alabama football would like to contain by staying disciplined in its runs fits. The Tide’s front seven will be instrumental in them doing so. The Florida State quarterback has arguably not done himself any favors with some of the things he has said in the offseason about the Tide. It will not be surprising to anyone if the Alabama defense is more motivated in this one because of the things Castellanos has said. But make no mistake about it, the signal-caller can move and use legs to be effective and give defenses fits if he escapes the pocket and gets into space.

New Florida State Offensive Weapons vs. Tide’s secondary

Florida State will have new starters at wide receiver and tight end on Saturday. Duce Robinson will start at wide receiver for the Seminoles after transferring from USC. Squirrell White, who transferred from Tennessee to Florida State, will play alongside Robinson at wideout. Randy Pittman is starting at tight end after following Malzahn to Florida State from UCF. Freshman wideout, Jayvan Boggs will be making his first collegiate start as a true freshman on Saturday. The Crimson Tide’s secondary is a flip of this. The Tide returns six players with starting experience to its secondary and has added experience via the transfer portal with the addition of Cam Calhoun. Will the Tide’s secondary shine with its experience?

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